The debut trailer for *Predator: Badlands* has ignited a flurry of excitement and questions among fans, particularly regarding the design of the new Predator. In an insightful interview with Bloody Disgusting, director Dan Trachtenberg shed light on some intriguing aspects of the upcoming film, including his innovative approach to the iconic sci-fi hunter.
The new Predator, named Dek and portrayed by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, breaks from tradition by taking on a protagonist role. Unlike the typical Yautja antagonists seen in previous Predator movies, Dek is described as an underdog "runt." This unique characterization promises a fresh perspective on the fearsome alien race.
Dek's chosen hunting ground is the "Death Planet" Kalisk, where he battles to earn the respect of his father and acceptance within his clan. Fans have noted that Dek's design deviates from previous Predators, appearing more human-like and smaller in stature, aligning well with his "runt" status.
*Predator: Badlands* centers around Dek's journey, but he's not alone on Kalisk. He teams up with a character played by Elle Fanning, whose appearance, as discussed by IGN, suggests she might be a synth from the Alien franchise, hinted by the Weyland Yutani logo on her eyes. This intriguing connection between the Predator and Alien universes adds a new layer of excitement to the film.
Trachtenberg drew inspiration from the 2005 PlayStation game *Shadow of the Colossus* for the dynamic between Dek and Fanning's character. He highlighted the emotional depth of the relationship between the protagonist and the horse in *Shadow of the Colossus*, aiming to replicate a similar poignant connection in *Predator: Badlands*. Trachtenberg described Dek as laconic, contrasting with Fanning's character, who is more expressive and capable in ways Dek is not. While he remained coy about the specifics of Fanning's character and her possible ties to the Alien franchise, he teased a unique and exciting pairing between the two.
*Predator: Badlands* is set to launch on November 7, 2025. Before that, fans can look forward to Trachtenberg's animated anthology, *Predator: Killer of Killers*, which will be released in June.
