Predator: Badlands Director Talks Unconventional Vision For Franchise’s Next Installment
After the monumental success of Prey in 2022, which revitalized the Predator franchise with its fresh setting and compelling protagonist, fans have been clamoring for a direct sequel. Director Dan Trachtenberg, however, had a different vision. Instead of delivering the expected Prey 2, he is expanding the universe in a bold and unexpected direction with Predator: Badlands. The upcoming film promises a concept unlike anything seen before in the series, shifting the focus and genre entirely.
This article explores the creative philosophy behind the new installment as Dan Trachtenberg discusses Predator: Badlands. We will dive into why he chose to move away from a direct sequel, the unique “buddy-comedy” concept at the heart of the new film, and his ambitious goal to create something that feels just as original and groundbreaking as Prey did.
Predator: Badlands: Moving Beyond ‘Prey 2’
The natural next step for the franchise seemed to be a continuation of Amber Midthunder’s story as Naru. However, Trachtenberg revealed that this was precisely the path he wanted to avoid. His goal was to capture the same spirit of innovation that made Prey a standout success, rather than simply following a predictable sequel formula.
In a recent interview with Empire, Trachtenberg explained his thought process. “You immediately think: ‘Prey 2’,” he admitted. “But with sequels, people sometimes get so caught up going, ‘This could happen next,’ they never stop to think, ‘Should it happen next?’” For him, the element of surprise and originality was paramount. “Prey was special because it was this big idea that hadn’t existed before. I wanted the next thing to be that, too.” This commitment to innovation led him away from a direct sequel and toward a completely new concept that could stand on its own as a significant and unique entry in the Predator saga.
The Unlikely Duo at the Heart of ‘Badlands’
The core concept of Predator: Badlands is a radical departure for the franchise. For the first time, the film’s protagonist is a Predator—or “Yautja,” as they are known in the lore. The story follows Dek, described as a “runt” of his species, on a dangerous hunt. But he isn’t alone. Strapped to his back is the upper torso of Thia, a Weyland-Yutani synthetic played by Elle Fanning.
This bizarre pairing is the engine that drives the film’s unique tone. Trachtenberg describes the dynamic as a “kind of buddy-comedy,” a stark contrast to the solo survival narrative of Prey. The relationship between the outcast Yautja and the disembodied android is the central focus, promising a story that is as much about their interactions as it is about the hunt. “Prey was a solo survival tale; this is a relationship story,” Trachtenberg emphasized. This shift from a human-centric story to one focused on an alien protagonist and his synthetic companion is a bold move designed to explore the Predator universe from an entirely new angle.
Crafting a Relatable Yet Ruthless Predator
One of the biggest creative challenges in making a Yautja the hero is balancing relatability with the species’ inherent brutality. Predators are, by nature, ruthless hunters, and Trachtenberg was careful not to dilute that core identity in an attempt to make Dek more sympathetic.
He explained the fine line they had to walk. “We wanted Dek to be relatable, but without turning him into Luke Skywalker,” he said. “He’s still a Predator—we had to allow him to be a dick. But a dick you can root for.” This approach ensures that the film retains the gritty and violent essence of the franchise while still giving audiences a protagonist they can connect with on some level. The goal is not to transform the Predator into a traditional hero but to explore the universe through its eyes, showcasing its culture and motivations without sanding down its sharp edges.
A “Ray Harryhausen” Adventure with a Modern Twist
The genre shift isn’t the only way Badlands is breaking new ground. Trachtenberg also teased a film filled with spectacular creature action, drawing inspiration from a legendary filmmaker. “It’s like a Ray Harryhausen movie,” he commented, referencing the master of stop-motion creature effects known for films like Jason and the Argonauts and Clash of the Titans.
This comparison suggests an epic adventure filled with monstrous encounters. “This crazy adventure against monsters and the elements—only this time it’s a badass Predator against those things,” Trachtenberg explained. By pitting a Yautja against a host of other creatures, Badlands aims to deliver a thrilling and visually spectacular experience that leans into the pulp-adventure roots of classic monster movies while maintaining the sci-fi horror tone of the Predator series. The question he constantly asked himself during development was, “what could happen only in this movie?” The answer appears to be a wild, action-packed journey with an unlikely pair at its center.
Conclusion: A Bold New Hunt Awaits
As Dan Trachtenberg discusses Predator: Badlands, it becomes clear that his primary goal is to push the franchise into uncharted territory. By intentionally avoiding a direct sequel to Prey, he has opened the door for a film that promises to be just as inventive and unexpected. The unique premise of a Predator protagonist teamed up with a synthetic torso, combined with a “buddy-comedy” tone and classic monster-movie action, signals that Badlands is not just another installment but a reimagining of what a Predator film can be.
While the story of Naru may continue elsewhere—Trachtenberg is also producing an animated anthology, Predator: Killer Of Killers—Badlands stands as a testament to creative risk-taking. It is a bold swing that aims to honor the spirit of the franchise by refusing to play it safe, ensuring that the ultimate hunt remains as thrilling and unpredictable as ever.
