Unleashing the Predator: A Fresh Take in 'Predator: Badlands'
Director Dan Trachtenberg Discusses Predator: Badlands' Extraterrestrial Protagonist and Intricate Setting
Diving headfirst into the exotic terrain of an alien planet, 20th Century Studios' latest offering, 'Predator: Badlands', sparked excitement with its first glance. Breaking the traditional mold, the iconic, two-faced alien takes center stage, locked in vicious battles against hostile forces.
In a candid conversation with BloodyDisgusting, director and co-writer Dan Trachtenberg shared intriguing insights about the film. The narrative revolves around a young Predator, Dek (portrayed by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi), an outcast from his clan on the home planet, Yautja Prime. In his quest to prove his worth, Dek embarks on a deadly expedition to, as he believes, the "Death Planet" of Kalisk — where he hopes to find the deadliest adversary.
Emulating the seriousness of characters like the Elves in 'Lord of the Rings' or the Dothraki in 'Game of Thrones', Trachtenberg emphasized the authenticity of the Yautja language, overseeing its careful crafting by a student of Paul Frommer, the expert responsible for the Na'vi dialect in the 'Avatar' movies. This attention to detail ensured the story stayed grounded, avoiding unnecessary lore-focus.
Trachtenberg described the film as a calculated attempt, markedly distinct from previous entries. With a keen focus on genre and precision, he aimed to flip the script, positioning the Predator as the protagonist on an alien planet, hunted by unknown creatures instead of the hunter the audiences have known him to be [1][2]. The story also introduces an intriguing element in Thia, an android from the Weyland-Yutani Corporation. Her character arc mirrors Dek's but takes a separate path in demonstrating her worth [1].
With Frank Frazetta and 'Mad Max 2' in his creative arsenal, Trachtenberg drew further inspiration from Team Ico's 'Shadow of the Colossus' in shaping the dynamics between Dek and Thia (portrayed by Elle Fanning) [1]. While Thia offers her tech skills, Trachtenberg hints at a "physical thing" she contributes to their journey, keeping the specifics a secret.
Preparing to embark on this big, thrilling adventure with Dek and Thia is a daring move. Fans can catch 'Predator: Badlands' in theaters on November 7. If you're more into traditional Predator tales, there are plenty of previous movies to satisfy your cravings [3]. In recent news, Trachtenberg discussed visual aspects and the creation of Dex, and for those interested in more insights, feel free to read here.
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References
- Berry, R. (2021, Sep 23). Predator: Badlands Interview: Dan Trachtenberg on Making Predator Flesh & Blood. Bloody Disgusting. [https://bloody-disgusting.com/interviews/3763849/predator-badlands-interview-dan-trachtenberg-on-making-predator-flesh-blood/]
- Ginnane, R. (2021, Sep 23). Predator: Badlands leans towards horror, says Dan Trachtenberg. Deadline. [https://deadline.com/2021/09/predator-badlands-leans-towards-horror-says-dan-trachtenberg-1234752855/]
- Hinckley-Joe, N. (2021, Sep 22). Predator: Badlands will make you 'feel like you’re in a different franchise,' says director Dan Trachtenberg. Gamespot. [https://www.gamespot.com/articles/predator-badlands-will-make-you-feel-like-you're-in-a-different-franchise-says-director-dan-trachtenberg/1100-6500005/]
- Maas, K. (2021, Sep 23). Predator: Badlands is more like The Thing than your Predator movies. Digital Spy. [https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a36909732/predator-badlands-disease-plague-story-dan-trachtenberg-interview/]
- The upcoming movie 'Predator: Badlands,' a production by 20th Century Studios, showcases a fresh take on the Predator character, engaging audiences with its focus on alien terrain and fierce battles.
- Director and co-writer Dan Trachtenberg, in an interview with BloodyDisgusting, revealed the film's narrative involves a young Predator named Dek, an outcast from Yautja Prime, embarking on a dangerous quest to the "Death Planet" of Kalisk.
- To maintain authenticity, Trachtenberg worked closely with a student of Paul Frommer, the dialect expert responsible for the Na'vi language in 'Avatar,' to create the Yautja language for 'Predator: Badlands.'
- By positioning the Predator as a protagonist hunted by unknown creatures, Trachtenberg aims to shake up the series' traditional narrative, introducing an android named Thia from the Weyland-Yutani Corporation as Dek's fellow traveler.
- The film's creative elements draw inspiration from sources such as Frank Frazetta, 'Mad Max 2,' and Team Ico's 'Shadow of the Colossus,' shaping the dynamic between Dek and Thia (portrayed by Elle Fanning).
- The movie 'Predator: Badlands' offers a unique take on the Predator franchise, venturing into horrific territory reminiscent of 'The Thing,' and is set to release in theaters on November 7. Fans of traditional Predator stories can find solace in the franchise's previous offerings.
