'Death Planet' Confirmed for Predator: Badlands, New Predator Named, Inspired by Shadow of the Colossus

The debut trailer for Predator: Badlands has ignited a flurry of curiosity among fans, particularly about the new Predator's design. In an insightful interview with Bloody Disgusting, director Dan Trachtenberg shed light on several intriguing aspects of the film, including his unique vision for the iconic sci-fi hunter.

The new Predator, named Dek and portrayed by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, breaks from tradition as a Yautja "runt" taking on the protagonist role. Typically, Yautja, the alien hunters' race, are seen as antagonists in Predator films. Dek's journey unfolds on a "Death Planet" named Kalisk, where he strives to earn his father's approval and acceptance within his clan.

Dek's appearance diverges significantly from previous Predators, with some fans noting his more human-like features. Additionally, his smaller stature aligns perfectly with his underdog status. Predator: Badlands revolves around Dek's narrative, but he isn't the only character on Kalisk. He teams up with a character played by Elle Fanning, who, as IGN has pointed out, bears a striking resemblance to a synth from the Alien franchise, complete with the Weyland Yutani logo on her eyes.

Trachtenberg drew inspiration from the 2005 PlayStation game Shadow of the Colossus for the on-screen dynamic between Dek and Fanning's character. He explained, "As inspired as I am by movies, I've been very inspired by video games [like] Shadow of the Colossus, where you have a protagonist paired with someone else who provides color and connection." He likened the emotional bond in the game to the relationship he wanted to explore between Dek and Fanning's character, describing her as a counterpoint to Dek's laconic nature and highlighting her unique capabilities and physical presence, which he's eager for audiences to discover.

While Trachtenberg was coy about the potential Alien connections and the specifics of Fanning's character, he hinted at an exciting twist in their partnership, saying, "There's a unique hook to her character that is exciting in the pairing of [her and Dek]."

Predator: Badlands is set to hit screens on November 7, 2025. In the lead-up, fans can look forward to Trachtenberg's animated anthology, Predator: Killer of Killers, premiering in June.