"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 curiosity among fans, particularly regarding the design of the new Predator, Dek. In an insightful interview with Bloody Disgusting, director Dan Trachtenberg shared fascinating details about the upcoming film and introduced fans to Dek, portrayed by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi.

Dek, a unique Yautja "runt," steps into the protagonist role, a departure from the typical antagonistic portrayal of Yautja in previous Predator movies. His chosen hunting ground is the "Death Planet" Kalisk, where he battles to earn his father's approval and acceptance within his clan.

Visually, Dek stands out with a more human-like appearance compared to his predecessors, and his smaller stature aligns perfectly with his underdog status. Predator: Badlands centers around Dek's journey, but he's not the only intriguing character. He shares the screen with Elle Fanning, whose character sports the Weyland Yutani logo on her eyes, sparking speculation about her being a synth from the Alien franchise.

Trachtenberg drew inspiration from the 2005 PlayStation masterpiece Shadow of the Colossus for the dynamic between Dek and Fanning's character. He emphasized the emotional depth seen in the game's protagonist and his horse, aiming to replicate that poignant connection with Dek and his counterpart. While Dek is described as laconic, Fanning's character brings a contrasting vibrancy and capability, promising an exciting on-screen chemistry.

Although Trachtenberg remained coy about the Alien connections and the nature of Fanning's character, he hinted at a unique hook that enriches their pairing. Fans eager to dive deeper into the Predator universe can mark their calendars for the release of Predator: Badlands on November 7, 2025. Before that, they can enjoy Trachtenberg's animated anthology Predator: Killer of Killers, set to premiere in June.