"Death Planet" Confirmed for New Predator Film, Inspired by Shadow of the Colossus

The debut trailer for Predator: Badlands has ignited curiosity among fans, particularly regarding the design of the new Predator, Dek. In an interview with Bloody Disgusting, director Dan Trachtenberg unveiled intriguing details about this upcoming film and his unique vision for the iconic sci-fi hunter.

Dek, portrayed by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, is a Yautja "runt" who takes center stage as the protagonist. Unlike previous Predator films where Yautja typically serve as antagonists, Predator: Badlands shifts the narrative focus to Dek's journey. His chosen hunting ground is Kalisk, a "Death Planet," where he strives to prove his worth to his father and earn acceptance within his clan.

Visually, Dek deviates from the traditional Predator design, appearing more human-like and smaller in stature, aligning with his "runt" status. This new design has sparked discussions among fans about the direction of the franchise.

Dek's story unfolds on Kalisk, where he collaborates with a character played by Elle Fanning. Fans have noted that Fanning's character bears a striking resemblance to the synths from the Alien franchise, with the Weyland Yutani logo visible in her eyes. Trachtenberg drew inspiration from the 2005 PlayStation game Shadow of the Colossus for the dynamic between Dek and Fanning's character, emphasizing a partnership that adds depth and connection to the narrative.

Trachtenberg elaborated on this relationship, drawing a parallel to the emotional bond between the protagonist and the horse in Shadow of the Colossus. He highlighted the contrasting personalities of Dek and Fanning's character, noting her capability in areas where Dek falls short. While tight-lipped about the Alien connections and Fanning's character's true nature, Trachtenberg teased a unique aspect to her role that enhances her pairing with Dek.

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.