The debut trailer for Predator: Badlands has ignited curiosity among fans, particularly about the fresh design of the new Predator.
In a discussion with Bloody Disgusting, director Dan Trachtenberg shared exciting details about Predator: Badlands, offering a new perspective on the iconic sci-fi hunter.
The new Predator, named Dek, is portrayed by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi. Described as an underdog Yautja “runt,” Dek takes on the protagonist role, a departure from the traditional antagonistic Yautja in Predator films.
Dek chooses Kalisk, a “Death Planet,” as his hunting ground, where he battles to earn his father’s respect and gain acceptance within his clan.
Dek’s design stands out from previous Predators, appearing more human-like and smaller in stature, aligning with his unique “runt” protagonist role.
Predator: Badlands centers on Dek’s journey, but he’s not alone on Kalisk. He teams up with a character played by Elle Fanning, who, as IGN noted, resembles a synth from the Alien franchise.
Trachtenberg revealed that the dynamic between Dek and Fanning’s character draws inspiration from the 2005 PlayStation classic Shadow of the Colossus.
“I’ve drawn inspiration from video games like Shadow of the Colossus, where a protagonist is paired with another character who brings depth and connection,” Trachtenberg said.
“In Shadow of the Colossus, the bond with a horse is heart-wrenching. Similarly, Predator: Badlands explores a dynamic where Dek, a reserved figure, contrasts with Fanning’s vibrant character. She excels in ways he doesn’t, with a unique physical trait I’m eager for audiences to discover, though I’ll let the film reveal it.”
Trachtenberg remained elusive about Alien franchise connections and the nature of Fanning’s character. “Her character has a distinctive element that makes her pairing with Dek thrilling,” he hinted.
Predator: Badlands hits theaters on November 7, 2025. Prior to that, Trachtenberg’s animated anthology Predator: Killer of Killers arrives in June.
