Reworked Article
Discussion with Dan Trachtenberg on Predator: Badlands' Extraterrestrial Anti-Hero and Crafted Environment
Buckle up, folks! We've finally caught a peek at Predator: Badlands, the latest addition to the Predator franchise that's shaking things up in a major way. This bad boy's set to star the freakiest Predator yet, as it squares off against a whole batch of critters on another alien planet.
Over at BloodyDisgusting, director Dan Trachtenberg let loose some tasty tidbits about the movie's plot and main characters. Our leading man, an outcast Predator named Dek (played by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi), hails from Yautja Prime and is on a relentless quest for a supreme enemy on the deadly planet of Kalisk. Sound familiar? Yes, it's reminiscent of Prey, but Trachtenberg promises Dek and his kin are gonna be more than just background props this time around. He aimed to make them as substantial as "the Elvish language in Lord of the Rings or the Dothraki in Game of Thrones", meticulously crafting the Yautja language with the help of a student of Paul Frommer, who helping craft the Na'vi dialect for the Avatar movies. Trachtenberg warns against getting too bogged down in lore and ensures that the story remains the primary focus.
When talking to BloodyDisgusting, Trachtenberg also hinted at a secondary protagonist: the android Thia (Elle Fanning). Her arc mirrors Dek's in seeking acceptance and proving her worth, but she takes a different path. Inspired by Frank Frazetta and Mad Max 2, Trachtenberg envisioned Dek as a laconic character, while Thia serves as his polar opposite with plenty of color and connection. He admits Thia provides more than just tech skills, hinting at some physical prowess that he isn't ready to reveal just yet.
Trachtenberg describes Predator: Badlands as an intentional and focused film that breaks away from earlier entries in the series, positioning the Predator as the hunted instead of the hunter. He likens this shift to an inversion of the film's traditional premise for a fresh and exciting twist. With its release date set for November 7, Predator: Badlands is looking to take audiences on a wild ride they won't forget.
Meanwhile, keep an eye out for the latest updates on Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, the DC Universe, and the future of Doctor Who right here on io9. Visit the link here to learn more about Trachtenberg's thoughts on the film's visuals and Dex's creation.
Sources:1. Predator: Badlands Wikipedia2. Predator: Badlands Premises at ScreenRant3. Predator: Badlands Character Info at IMDb4. Predator: Badlands at The Direct5. Predator: Badlands – A New Approach to the Franchise at FanFest
- The upcoming movie Predator: Badlands, now in the spotlight, will introduce a terrifying new Predator, engaging in combat with various creatures on an alien planet.
- Director Dan Trachtenberg, speaking to BloodyDisgusting, offers details about the movie's plot and main characters, including the leading Predator, Dek, from Yautja Prime, who is on a persistent mission to identify a supreme enemy on the hostile planet Kalisk.
- Predator Dek is unlike previous Predators, Trachtenberg reveals, aiming to make him as significant as the Elvish language in Lord of the Rings or the Dothraki in Game of Thrones, meticulously developing the Yautja language with assistance from a student of Paul Frommer, who helped craft the Na'vi dialect for Avatar movies.
- Thia, an android played by Elle Fanning, serves as a secondary protagonist in Predator: Badlands, mirroring Dek's quest for acceptance but taking a different path, with Trachtenberg drawing inspiration from Frank Frazetta and Mad Max 2.
- Trachtenberg characterizes Predator: Badlands as a deliberate and focused film that breaks away from previous series entries by placing the Predator in the role of the hunted, providing an innovative spin on the traditional premise.
- Technology enthusiasts can stay updated on Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, the DC Universe, and the future of Doctor Who through io9, while those interested in Trachtenberg's thoughts on the film's visuals and Dex's creation can find more information here.
