Predator: Badlands Takes Inspiration From Another Arnold Schwarzenegger Movie

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In a recent interview, the director of the upcoming action-sci-fi film Badlands titled Predator: Badlands, Dan Trachtenberg, has shared insights about the main character, Dek, who is portrayed as a young Predator exile. The movie is slated for release in theaters on November 7, 2025.

As a gamer, I’d say: “I’m involved in an intriguing film project where the visionary Trachtenberg takes charge, not just as director, but also as co-writer with Patrick Aison, building on characters originally created by Jim Thomas and John Thomas. The story revolves around Elle Fanning portraying a young android named Thia, with Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi stepping into the role of Dek. This production is backed by powerhouses like John Davis, Marc Toberoff, Ben Rosenblatt, and Brent O’Connor.

The story unfolds on a distant planet in the future, where it focuses on a young Predator, shunned by his tribe, who forms an unexpected friendship with Thia. Together, they navigate through dangerous terrains to encounter their greatest enemy.

What movies influenced Predator: Badlands?

In a recent interview, Trachtenberg disclosed fresh insights about Predator: Badlands’ lead character, Dek. He explained that Dek is modeled after stoic outcast heroes such as Conan the Barbarian and Max Rockatansky (Mad Max). As per the director, Dek belongs to the ruthless Yautja tribe, who have ostracized him due to his being the weakest among them.

Trachtenberg playfully noted that he’s quite direct, both literally and metaphorically, and not someone who beats around the bush with his words.

For the very first time, I, as a dedicated fan, am thrilled to be part of an unprecedented journey – experiencing the tale unfold from the eyes of our iconic titular creature, a concept that’s long been envisioned by Trachtenberg post the triumph of Prey.

The director elaborated that the concept seemed substantial, not just for Predator, but in science fiction as a whole. Typically, in sci-fi worlds, alien or monstrous beings are portrayed as antagonists or companions. However, in [Badlands], it’s proposed: “What if you were accompanying the creature on this wild adventure, experiencing everything from its perspective?

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2025-07-01 19:11