SDCC 2025: Star Wars' Impact on Predator: Badlands' Creation
Get ready, action enthusiasts! The Predator franchise is about to take a thrilling turn with the upcoming release of Predator: Badlands. Scheduled to hit theaters on November 7, this film promises an unexpected adventure ride that will challenge and engage audiences like never before.
Directed by Dan Trachtenberg, known for his work on Prey, Predator: Badlands offers a fresh perspective on the iconic Predator series. The film follows a young Yautja predator named Dek, an outcast from his clan on a hostile alien planet called Kalisk or the "Predator: Badlands." Dek forms an unlikely alliance with Thia, a Weyland-Yutani synthetic portrayed by Elle Fanning, who is missing her lower half. Together, they embark on a perilous journey to survive the brutal environment and hunt down their ultimate adversary—a massive, Kaiju-sized alien creature that may be more dangerous than even a Xenomorph.
What sets Predator: Badlands apart is its focus on the Predator as the main hero rather than a villain or antagonist. The story takes place primarily on the Predator homeworld, Yautja Prime, marking a shift from Earth-based settings common in earlier films. Remarkably, human characters are absent from this film, with the focus shifting to Predators and synthetic beings alone.
In an interview, Trachtenberg shared his inspiration for this unique story, drawing parallels from the image of Chewbacca and C-3PO in The Empire Strikes Back. He expressed a desire to explore the idea of side characters being the protagonist, a theme that is popular in sci-fi. Trachtenberg's goal was to create an emotionally and viscerally engaging story where the audience can connect with the Predator.
The Predator in Predator: Badlands is described as ferocious, badass, and an antihero. Trachtenberg compares him to characters like Mad Max, Conan, and Clint Eastwood. The film also introduces a new type of apex alien antagonist, distinct and more massive than traditional Predators or Xenomorphs.
As for other Predator franchise projects, Predator: Killer of Killers is now available on Hulu and features a new, canon-changing end credits scene. However, no new details were provided about the themes of side characters being the protagonist in Predator: Badlands.
With its unique premise, captivating characters, and action-packed adventure, Predator: Badlands is poised to redefine the Predator franchise and offer fans a fresh take on the iconic sci-fi action series.
- If you're a fan of io9, you'll certainly want to add 'Predator: Badlands' to your must-watch list, as it's set to redefine the Predator franchise with its unique premise.
- Gizmodo's entertainment section is buzzing about the upcoming movie 'Predator: Badlands', which offers a fresh perspective on the Predator series by focusing on the Predator as the main hero.
- Apart from Predator: Badlands, other exciting projects in the Predator franchise include 'Predator: Killer of Killers', now available on Hulu, which features a new, canon-changing end credits scene.
