After THR framed Predator: Badlands as a “sweet, queer twist on the franchise,” YouTuber Tyrone Magnus has released his own review — and his take is the complete opposite.
Magnus tells his 2 million followers that the movie is “a damn good movie” and rejects THR’s interpretation outright.
“It Wasn’t Woke”
Magnus states upfront that the film “wasn’t woke,” directly challenging THR’s description of a softer, identity-driven Predator. He says none of the sexuality themes suggested in the THR review appear in the film, and while some elements THR mentioned loosely align with the story, the outlet’s framing is “not in the movie.”
Magnus emphasizes: “They don’t turn him into a sissy punk. They don’t mess with sexuality stuff in here, either. No gender stuff.”
The Predator’s Story: A Runt Who Becomes a Warrior
Magnus confirms the broad plot:
- The Predator, Dek, is the runt of the litter and considered weak.
- His family wants to deal with him because of it, but his older brother saves him.
- Dek goes off to prove himself by hunting the most dangerous prey — a creature even his father fears.
- He crash-lands on the hostile planet and begins his hunt there.
Magnus says the film makes it clear: Dek is not weak — he’s a “badass” with something to prove.
Companions, Not Romance
Dek meets the synth Thia (Elle Fanning) on the alien planet. Magnus stresses that they do not become romantic partners and even laughs at the idea.
A second companion is also present, and Magnus says both are used for comic relief. Magnus says their humor irritated him at first but stops before it becomes excessive.
Not a Soft Predator — A Warrior With Honor
Magnus pushes back against claims that Badlands softens the Predator into a cuddly character. Instead, he says the movie explores clan dynamics and what happens when a warrior forms a new family during his quest.
He still fights, still hunts, and still carries himself like a Yautja warrior — but when someone helps him, he’s willing to help in return. Magnus argues that Predators have always had feelings in prior films, so this isn’t rewriting canon.
Effects, Lore, and Franchise Connections
Magnus praises the movie’s production:
- Strong special effects
- Good fight choreography
- Interesting new tech
- A soundtrack he enjoyed
- Good use of callbacks to earlier Predator films
- Even Xenomorph references
He also appreciates the explanation for Dek’s appearance, clarifying it’s not because he’s a child or adolescent, but that it ties into being the runt, and Magnus says the logic makes sense.
There’s also deeper lore involving the synths, including apparently a darker subplot about Thia’s syth “sister” and Weyland-Yutani connections.
A Franchise Entry He Thinks Works
Magnus says the movie builds a compelling contrast between Dek’s harsh upbringing and the new family he forms on the alien planet. The journey, he says, stays true to the Predator ethos:
A hardened warrior, not a neutered version of the creature fans know.
While THR’s review paints the film as a soft, queer coming-of-age twist, Magnus says the final product is a straight-up sci-fi action movie with heart, humor, and plenty of Predator edge.
“I don’t think I saw anything woke in it,” he said. “I can’t call this movie woke… I think the majority of you are going to enjoy yourself if you see this… Four out of five WOOHS!”
