"Predator: Badlands Director Unveils 'Death Planet' and New Predator Names, Inspired by Shadow of the Colossus"

The debut trailer for Predator: Badlands has ignited a flurry of excitement and curiosity among fans, particularly regarding the new design of the Predator character. In an insightful interview with Bloody Disgusting, director Dan Trachtenberg shared intriguing details about the upcoming film, including his innovative approach to the iconic sci-fi hunter.

The new Predator, named Dek, is portrayed by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi. Unlike the typical portrayal of Yautja (the alien hunter race) as antagonists in previous Predator films, Dek takes on the role of an underdog protagonist. Described as a "runt" within his species, Dek's journey unfolds on a "Death Planet" called Kalisk, where he strives to prove his worth to his father and gain acceptance within his clan.

Dek's design diverges significantly from that of his predecessors, appearing more human-like and smaller in stature, aligning with his underdog status. Predator: Badlands centers around Dek's story, but he is not alone on Kalisk. He interacts with a character played by Elle Fanning, who sports the Weyland Yutani logo on her eyes, sparking speculation about her being a synth from the Alien franchise.

Trachtenberg drew inspiration for the dynamic between Dek and Fanning's character from the 2005 PlayStation classic Shadow of the Colossus. He highlighted the emotional connection and contrasting traits between the characters, likening it to the bond between the protagonist and the horse in the game. While Dek is portrayed as laconic, Fanning's character adds vibrancy and capability in unique ways, hinting at an exciting physical aspect to her role that Trachtenberg is eager for audiences to discover.

Although Trachtenberg remained coy about the potential Alien connections and the true nature of Fanning's character, he teased a unique element that enhances the pairing of Dek and her character.

Predator: Badlands is slated for release on November 7, 2025. Before that, fans can look forward to Trachtenberg's animated anthology, Predator: Killer of Killers, set to premiere in June.