Director Dan Trachtenberg Discusses Predator: Badlands' Extraterrestrial Protagonist and Its Imagined Universe
Shaking Up the Predator Universe: A First Look at Predator: Badlands
Get ready to ventures into uncharted territories as 20th Century Studios unveils the next chapter of the Predator saga – Predator: Badlands. Stepping away from the familiar, the titular alien hunter takes center stage as he confronts various foes on an alien planet.
In a revealing chat with Bloody Disgusting, director and co-writer Dan Trachtenberg sheds some light on the movie's plot and its protagonist, the outcast Dek (portrayed by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi). Hailing from Yautja Prime, Dek embarks on a perilous quest to find the ultimate nemesis on the infamous "Death Planet" of Kalisk, seeking to prove his worth among his people.
Sharing many similarities with Prey, Trachtenberg intends to treat Dek and his companions with the utmost seriousness, much like the Elvish in The Lord of the Rings or Dothraki in Game of Thrones. The Yautja language in Badlands was carefully crafted by a student of Paul Frommer, who is renowned for creating the Na'vi dialect in the Avatar films. This ensures that the lore remains secondary compared to the narrative.
"Badlands" isn't just a new installation in the Predator franchise but a calculated move to invert its main premise, Trachtenberg explains. Instead of the Predator pursuing humans on Earth, the tables have turned, and he now finds himself hunted on an alien planet.
Thia (Elle Fanning), a Weyland-Yutani android, serves as a pivotal presence in Dek's journey. Thia's arc mirrors Dek’s in some ways while taking a different path to prove her worth. Influences such as Frank Frazetta and Mad Max 2 inspired Thia’s character, while Trachtenberg sought inspiration from the dynamic in Team Ico's Shadow of the Colossus. Thia added a blend of technology and physicality to the equation, although he remained cryptic about specifics.
With a fearless Predator and his android companion at the forefront, Predator: Badlands takes a monumental risk – one that Trachtenberg hopes will resonate with fans around the world. Set to hit theaters on November 7, this courageous adaptation of the Predator franchise redefines the rulebook, creating a fresh take on this classic franchise.
If you're eager to learn more about Predator: Badlands, stay tuned for updates on the movie's visuals and the making of Dex. Meanwhile, catch up on the latest releases from Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, and DC Universe, as well as everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
- Gizmodo and io9 might be intrigued to know that Predator: Badlands, the future installment of the Predator universe, will subvert the familiar premise by having the Predator hunted instead of doing the hunting.
- Blood storylines in Predator: Badlands, set for release on November 7, could be reminiscent of those seen in Bloody Disgusting, as the Predator faces off against various foes on an alien planet while being hunted by Thia, a Weyland-Yutani android.
- According to a chat with Bloody Disgusting, the movie will explore the character Dek, an outcast from Yautja Prime, as he plays a danger-filled mission to prove his worth among his people on the infamous Death Planet of Kalisk.
- The Yautja language in Predator: Badlands has been meticulously crafted to include an authentic feel, with the aid of a student of Paul Frommer, the creator of the Na'vi dialect in the Avatar films, ensuring that the lore supports but does not overshadow the storyline.
- In Predator: Badlands, the titular alien hunter faces challenges similar to those faced by the Elvish in The Lord of the Rings or the Dothraki in Game of Thrones, hinting at a more grounded and serious approach to the Yautja characters.
- Excited fans can watch Predator: Badlands unfold in theaters, while also keeping up with the latest updates on upcoming movies-and-tv from franchises such as Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, DC Universe, and Doctor Who, as the future of entertainment continues to evolve.
