The debut trailer for Predator: Badlands has ignited a flurry of curiosity among fans, particularly regarding the design of the new Predator. In an insightful interview with Bloody Disgusting, director Dan Trachtenberg unveiled intriguing details about the film, including his innovative approach to the iconic sci-fi hunter.
The new Predator, named Dek, is portrayed by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi. Dek is depicted as an underdog Yautja "runt" who takes on the protagonist role, a departure from the typical antagonist portrayal of Yautja in previous Predator films. Dek selects a "Death Planet" called Kalisk as his hunting ground, where he strives to prove his worth to his father and earn acceptance within his clan.
Visually, Dek stands out with a design that some fans have noted appears more human-like than his predecessors. Additionally, he is smaller and less imposing than the towering Predator villains seen in earlier movies, which aligns with his characterization as a "runt."
Predator: Badlands centers on Dek's journey, yet he is not alone on Kalisk. He forms an alliance with a character played by Elle Fanning, whose appearance has sparked speculation about her being a synth from the Alien franchise, particularly due to the Weyland Yutani logo visible on her eyes.
Trachtenberg drew inspiration for the dynamic between Dek and Fanning's character from the 2005 PlayStation classic Shadow of the Colossus. He explained, "As inspired as I am by movies, I’ve been very inspired by video games [like] Shadow of the Colossus, where you have a protagonist paired with someone else who provides color and connection." He further elaborated on the emotional impact of the game, referencing the bond between the protagonist and his horse, which influenced the relationship between Dek and Fanning's character. Trachtenberg hinted at the unique capabilities and contrasting personalities of the duo, expressing excitement about revealing more in due time.
While Trachtenberg remained coy about the Alien connections and the true nature of Fanning's character, he teased, "There’s a unique hook to her character that is exciting in the pairing of [her and Dek]."
Predator: Badlands is set to premiere 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.
