"Predator: Badlands Director Unveils 'Death Planet' and New Predator Names, Cites Shadow of the Colossus as Inspiration"

The debut trailer for Predator: Badlands has ignited a flurry of excitement and curiosity among fans, particularly about the new Predator character, Dek. In an exclusive interview with Bloody Disgusting, director Dan Trachtenberg unveiled intriguing details about this latest addition to the iconic sci-fi franchise.

Dek, portrayed by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, is a unique take on the Yautja race, traditionally seen as antagonists in the Predator series. Described as an underdog "runt," Dek steps into the protagonist role, offering a fresh perspective on the fearsome alien hunters. His hunting ground is a "Death Planet" named Kalisk, where he battles to earn his father's approval and acceptance within his clan.

One of the most talked-about aspects of Dek is his distinct design. Unlike the towering Predators of past films, Dek appears more human-like and smaller in stature, aligning with his "runt" characterization. This new design has sparked a range of reactions among fans, eager to see how it plays out in the movie.

Predator: Badlands centers around Dek's journey, but he isn't alone on Kalisk. He teams up with a character played by Elle Fanning, whose appearance, notably featuring the Weyland Yutani logo in her eyes, has led to speculation about her being a synth from the Alien franchise. Trachtenberg drew inspiration for the dynamic between Dek and Fanning's character from the 2005 PlayStation classic Shadow of the Colossus, emphasizing a unique relationship where the two complement each other's strengths and weaknesses.

Trachtenberg hinted at a "unique hook" to Fanning's character, adding an air of mystery to their on-screen partnership. While he remained tight-lipped about the potential Alien connections, the director's excitement about the film's elements is palpable.

Fans won't have to wait too long to see Predator: Badlands in action, as it is set to launch on November 7, 2025. Before that, Trachtenberg's animated anthology, Predator: Killer of Killers, will hit screens in June, further building anticipation for the new chapter in the Predator saga.