Discusses Predator: Badlands' Extraterrestrial Protagonist and Environments with Dan Trachtenberg
Get ready, Predator fans! Fresh off the press, 20th Century Studios unveiled a first glimpse at Predator: Badlands. Unlike its predecessors, this badass alien hunter is the chart-topping star, battling forces on an alien world.
In a blood-pumping chat with BloodyDisgusting, director and co-writer Dan Trachtenberg provided some fascinating insights on the film's storyline and characters. Our leading character, a young Predator named Dek (portrayed by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi), is an outcast from his clan on Yautja Prime. He sets off, vying to prove his worth among his peers by locating the ultimate enemy on the suposedly deadly planet of Kalisk.
Akin to Prey, Trachtenberg is committed to treating Dek and his compatriots with the respect they deserve. For instance, the Yautja language received the same level of attention as the "Elvish in Lord of the Rings" or Dothraki in Game of Thrones. It was crafted by a student of Paul Frommer, who created the Na'vi dialect for the Avatar films, ensuring that Badlands wouldn't delve too deeply into lore and neglect the story at hand. Trachtenberg described the film as deliberate-something he feels was absent in previous installments-and "extremely genre, extremely specific." He went on to explain, "Now the Predator is on another planet, and he's going to be hunted by things and has to use his guile [to survive]."
A significant element in Dek's journey is Thia, an android created by Weyland-Yutani, played by Elle Fanning. Thia's story arc mirrors Dek's but goes "into a different branch of proving oneself." Trachtenberg pointed out various influences, such as Frank Frazetta, Mad Max 2, but for the duo's central dynamic, he drew inspiration from Team Ico's Shadow of the Colossus. Badlands took inspiration from a "devastating scene with a horse...in terms of wanting to see a Predator with someone else who provides color and connection." Dek's stoic nature contrasts with Thia's vibrancy, but Trachtenberg remained tight-lipped about specifics.
Jumping headfirst into a "big, crazy swing," Predator: Badlands features an entire movie about the Predator and his android ally. The film will grace theaters on November 7th. If you're yearning for classic Predator tales, you can revisit the previous five movies in the series. In the same interview, Trachtenberg discussed the visuals and the creation of Dex, so be sure to check it out (here).
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Plot of Predator: Badlands
In the far reaches of the future, Predator: Badlands unfurls a tale set on an alien planet. Our protagonist, Dek (a young Predator), faces rejection from his clan on Yautja Prime and embarks on a dangerous quest to prove his worth. Joining forces with the android Thia, the duo navigates treacherous territory teeming with lethal creatures, confronting challenges from both the environment and rival Predators who could potentially be their hunting party. While humans inhabit the planet, they are not Dek's primary focus; instead, the story revolves around his personal journey and survival.
Key Differences from Previous Predator Movies
- Protagonist Perspective: Predator: Badlands offers viewers an unprecedented glimpse into the Yautja's perspective as Dek, our Predator hero, takes center stage.
- Setting and Technology: Set on the advanced world of Yautja Prime, the film enriches the series' visual scope by featuring futuristic technology, such as laser grappling hooks.
- Thematic Focus: Departing from the usual human vs. Predator dynamic, Predator: Badlands explores Dek's personal struggles with marginalization and his quest for acceptance and greatness.
- Human Presence: While humans populate the planet, they are superseded in importance by Dek's journey and the hostile environment around him.
- Extended Universe Elements: The movie incorporates elements from the Predator and Alien vs. Predator universe, including extended lore about Predator society and language, and ties to the Weyland-Yutani Corporation.
- Excited Predator fans can anticipate the upcoming movie 'Predator: Badlands', which will premiere in theaters on November 7th, offering an entire movie centered around the Predator and his android ally.
- For those interested in Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, Doctor Who releases, or updates on the DC Universe, Io9 is a great resource to follow.
- In keeping with the spirit of sites like Gizmodo and Movies-and-TV, entertainment enthusiasts can look forward to the futuristic setting, state-of-the-art technology, and compelling storylines that 'Predator: Badlands' promises.
