The debut trailer for Predator: Badlands has ignited a flurry of excitement and curiosity among fans, particularly regarding the new Predator character, Dek. In a revealing interview with Bloody Disgusting, director Dan Trachtenberg unveiled intriguing details about this upcoming film, including a fresh perspective on the iconic sci-fi hunter.
Dek, portrayed by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, is a unique addition to the Predator franchise. Described as an underdog Yautja "runt," Dek takes on the protagonist role, a departure from the typical Yautja antagonists seen in previous films. This shift in character dynamics promises a new narrative angle for fans to explore.
Set on a "Death Planet" named Kalisk, Dek's mission is to prove his worth to his father and earn acceptance within his clan. His design diverges from previous Predators, appearing more human-like and smaller in stature, which aligns with his "runt" status.
Predator: Badlands centers on Dek's journey, but he's not alone. He shares the screen with a character played by Elle Fanning, whose appearance has sparked speculation about her being a synth from the Alien franchise, given the Weyland Yutani logo visible in her eyes. 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 contrast between the laconic Dek and the more expressive and capable Fanning, teasing a unique and exciting element to her character.
While Trachtenberg remained coy about the potential Alien connections and the true nature of Fanning's character, he expressed enthusiasm for the duo's on-screen chemistry and the physical prowess Fanning brings to the role.
Fans can mark their calendars for Predator: Badlands, set to launch on November 7, 2025. In the meantime, Trachtenberg's animated anthology, Predator: Killer of Killers, will premiere in June, offering more content to tide fans over until the main event.
