The debut trailer for Predator: Badlands has ignited a flurry of questions among fans, particularly regarding the design of the new Predator, known as Dek. In an exclusive interview with Bloody Disgusting, director Dan Trachtenberg unveiled intriguing details about this upcoming addition to the iconic sci-fi franchise.
Dek, portrayed by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, is a unique Yautja character described as an underdog "runt" who steps into the protagonist role, a departure from the typical antagonist roles filled by Yautja in previous Predator films. This shift in perspective promises to bring fresh dynamics to the series.
Set on a "Death Planet" named Kalisk, Dek's journey is one of proving his worth, not only to his father but also to his clan. His design diverges from traditional Predators, appearing more human-like and smaller in stature, fitting his role as a "runt."
Predator: Badlands centers on Dek's narrative, but he's not alone on Kalisk. He is joined by a character played by Elle Fanning, who has sparked discussions on IGN for resembling a synth from the Alien franchise, notably with the Weyland Yutani logo visible in her eyes. This intriguing element hints at potential crossover themes between the Predator and Alien universes.
Trachtenberg drew inspiration from video games for the on-screen dynamic between Dek and Fanning's character, specifically citing the 2005 PlayStation classic Shadow of the Colossus. He highlighted the emotional connection and contrast between the characters, noting that while Dek is laconic, Fanning's character is more expressive and capable in different ways. Trachtenberg teased that Fanning's character possesses a unique hook that adds an exciting dimension to their pairing.
While Trachtenberg remained coy about the Alien connections and the exact nature of Fanning's character, the anticipation for Predator: Badlands continues to build. The film is set to launch on November 7, 2025. Before then, fans can look forward to Trachtenberg's animated anthology, Predator: Killer of Killers, which will premiere in June.
