‘Predator: Badlands’ Director Aims for a Lovable Predator

Fans of the iconic sci-fi hunter franchise are following director Dan Trachtenberg’s latest insights
into Predator: Badlands. Hot on the heels of the popular Hulu original Prey and the animated
anthology Predator: Killer of Killers, Trachtenberg is once again set to redefine expectations by
crafting a Predator that audiences can, surprisingly, “fall in love with.”

Predator: Badlands, scheduled for a November 7, 2025 release, promises an inversion of the
franchise’s typical dynamic. This time, the Yautja — named Dek and played by Dimitrius
Schuster-Koloamatangi — is the protagonist, a young outcast “runt” on his “first hunt.” To further
challenge conventions, Dek finds an unlikely ally in Thia (Elle Fanning), a Weyland-Yutani
synthetic, in a partnership inspired by video games like Shadow of the Colossus.

Trachtenberg openly acknowledges the challenge of making a creature known for its brutality
relatable. He aims to evoke the spirit of classic anti-heroes who, despite being laconic and
intimidating, possess a compelling inner code. He drew inspiration from characters like Clint
Eastwood’s Western figures, Mad Max, and Conan the Barbarian, focusing on presence over
dialogue to convey emotional depth.

The new Predator design has already sparked discussion among fans. While some initially
reacted to a more “human-like” appearance and different dreadlock placement, Trachtenberg
has clarified that Dek is a younger Yautja, and his physical characteristics align with a
developing physiology. The film’s design team, including Alec Gillis who worked on the original
Predator, aimed for a creature that remains ferocious yet allows for a deeper emotional
engagement.

This departure from the typical “slasher movie” formula is a deliberate choice by Trachtenberg,
who envisions Badlands as a “hardcore, brutal survival tale” that is also “crazy fun.” By placing
the Predator at the forefront and exploring its journey to prove itself within its own kind,
Trachtenberg is setting the stage for a unique and potentially fan-favorite iteration of the deadly
alien hunter. It remains to be seen if audiences will indeed “fall in love” with this ugly
motherf***er, but Trachtenberg is certainly aiming to give him a heart of gold.