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Director Dan Trachtenberg Discusses Predator: Badlands' Extraterrestrial Protagonist and Its Distinctive Setting

Director of Prey film treatment of Predator and associated characters with utmost respect for their debut screen time.

20th Century Studios unveils production of upcoming movie
20th Century Studios unveils production of upcoming movie

Director Dan Trachtenberg Discusses Predator: Badlands' Extraterrestrial Protagonist and Its Distinctive Setting

Chillin' with the Alien Hunter: A Fresh Look at Predator: Badlands

Hey there, movie lovers! Let's dive into the thrilling world of the Predator franchise with its latest addition, Predator: Badlands. Set to hit the big screen on November 7, 2025, this action-packed science fiction film will leave you on the edge of your seat!

Recently, director and co-writer Dan Trachtenberg spilled some tantalizing details about the movie to BloodyDisgusting. Unlike the conventional Predator films, Badlands takes a unique turn, placing the split-faced alien as the focal point amidst grueling battles on an alien planet.

The main character, a young Predator named Dek, played by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, is an outcast from his clan on Yautja Prime. Tired of feeling marginalized, he sets off on a quest to find an ultimate enemy on the infamous "Death Planet" of Kalisk, hoping to prove his worth.

Sound familiar? Well, Trachtenberg is aiming to distance this film from its predecessors, treating the Yautja language with the same care as "Elvish in The Lord of the Rings or Dothraki in Game of Thrones." To ensure authenticity, he consulted a student of Paul Frommer, who shaped the Na'vi dialect for the Avatar movies. This attention to detail helps avoid unnecessary lore weighing down the story. As Trachtenberg mentioned, Badlands follows a specific intent, rather than just being a generic Predator flick.

Thia, portrayed by Elle Fanning, serves as a crucial partner in Dek's journey. Just like Dek, Thia seeks to prove herself on this deadly expedition. However, her storyline takes a different turn, providing intriguing contrast and depth. Trachtenberg credits influences such as Frank Frazetta and Mad Max 2, with Team Ico's Shadow of the Colossus serving as a major inspiration for the relationship between the Predator and Thia. While Thia offers her tech skills, she brings something more substantial to the table, yet Trachtenberg has kept those details under wraps.

If you're intrigued by this Predator and android buddy duo, get ready for a "big, crazy swing" that Trachtenberg believes will garner the audience's support. For die-hard Predator fans who prefer the classic tales, the previous five movies will also be available for your viewing pleasure. In the same interview, Trachtenberg discussed the film's aesthetics and the creation of Dex, so feel free to check out the in-depth analysis here.

In other exciting news, stay tuned for the latest releases in the Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek universes, as well as updates on the DC universe across film and TV. Don't forget to keep an eye on the future of Doctor Who too! Happy watching, friends! 👽🚀🎬💫🌟

  1. Predator: Badlands, the upcoming addition to the Predator franchise, will be releasing on November 7, 2025, promising an edge-of-your-seat experience for movie-lovers.
  2. In a recent interview with BloodyDisgusting, director Dan Trachtenberg revealed that Badlands will feature a unique perspective, with the Predator as the main character in a series of brutal alien battles.
  3. The main character, Dek, a young Predator played by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, is an outcast from his clan on Yautja Prime, seeking an ultimate enemy on the infamous "Death Planet" of Kalisk to prove his worth.
  4. Trachtenberg is aiming for authenticity by treating the Yautja language with care, similar to Elvish in The Lord of the Rings or Dothraki in Game of Thrones, and has consulted a student of Paul Frommer, the Na'vi dialect creator for the Avatar movies.
  5. Elle Fanning's character, Thia, serves as a crucial partner for Dek, offering tech skills and more, with a relationship inspired by Frank Frazetta and Mad Max 2, as well as Team Ico's Shadow of the Colossus.
  6. As the release of Badlands approaches, fans can look forward to an intriguing Predator-android buddy duo, while still enjoying the classic Predator tales, available for viewing. Stay updated on Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, DC, and Doctor Who releases across film and TV.

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