Elle Fanning Reveals How She Prepared For Her Role In Predator: Badlands
The sci-fi universes of Alien and Predator are colliding in Dan Trachtenberg’s highly anticipated film, Predator: Badlands, and at the center of this crossover is a familiar, yet menacing, corporate entity: Weyland-Yutani. Playing a synthetic created by the infamous company is Elle Fanning, who is taking on the challenge of not just one, but two distinct synth roles. To prepare for this complex task, she looked to a recent, standout performance from the Alien franchise for guidance.
This article explores Elle Fanning on Predator: Badlands inspiration, detailing how David Jonsson’s role in Alien: Romulus influenced her performance, the challenge of playing dual characters, and the rich legacy of androids she is now a part of.
A Tradition of Unforgettable Androids
The Alien franchise has a storied history of memorable synthetic characters, each leaving an indelible mark on sci-fi cinema. From the secretly malevolent Ash in Ridley Scott’s original Alien to the loyal and heroic Bishop in Aliens, and the philosophically curious David in Prometheus, these androids have often been as compelling as the monstrous Xenomorphs themselves. They raise questions about humanity, creation, and what it means to be alive.
Now, with Predator: Badlands officially confirming a shared universe by including a Weyland-Yutani synthetic, Elle Fanning steps into this prestigious lineage. She has the daunting task of creating a character that both honors this legacy and offers something new. Adding to the complexity, Fanning is playing two different synth models in the film: Thia and Tessa.
Finding Inspiration in Alien: Romulus
To find a modern touchstone for her performance, Fanning turned to one of the newest additions to the synthetic family: David Jonsson’s portrayal of the android Andy in Fede Alvarez’s 2024 hit, Alien: Romulus. Jonsson’s performance was widely praised for its nuance, as he depicted an android struggling with his programming before receiving a sinister software update that completely altered his personality.
In a recent interview with Empire magazine, Fanning revealed that she and the crew took a break from filming to see Alien: Romulus together. Jonsson’s performance left a lasting impression.
“We went to see Alien: Romulus while we were shooting,” Fanning said. “[Jonsson] is such a great actor.”
She was particularly struck by how Jonsson crafted a unique identity for Andy, distinct from the iconic synths that came before him. This gave Fanning the confidence to forge her own path in portraying Thia and Tessa.
“That was informative for me, to see him step outside of other synths and create his own version,” she explained. “It gave me confidence to create my own thing, too.”
This insight was crucial. Instead of merely imitating past performances, Fanning felt empowered to develop a unique physicality, vocal pattern, and emotional range (or lack thereof) for her characters, ensuring they would stand out in a universe populated by memorable androids.
The Challenge of a Dual Role
Playing a synthetic is a significant acting challenge on its own, requiring precise control over movement and emotion. Fanning is doubling that difficulty by playing two different synth models in Predator: Badlands. While details about the differences between Thia and Tessa are still under wraps, the dual role presented a unique production puzzle.
Fanning shared that the filming schedule was thankfully arranged to minimize the complexity of playing both characters simultaneously. “Luckily, I [rarely] had to play both the same day,” she laughed, acknowledging the mental and physical demands of switching between two distinct non-human personas.
Her awareness of the legacy she is joining is clear. “But it was daunting playing Weyland-Yutani synths,” Fanning admitted. “Think about the list of people who’ve played one!” This reverence for the actors who came before her—including Ian Holm, Lance Henriksen, and Michael Fassbender—highlights her commitment to delivering a performance worthy of the franchise.
What This Means for Predator: Badlands
The inclusion of Weyland-Yutani and its synthetics in a Predator film is a game-changing move for both franchises. It officially bridges the gap that was only hinted at in Easter eggs and comics, creating a larger, interconnected sci-fi horror universe. Fanning’s character(s) will be the first major on-screen link, and her performance will be central to establishing the tone of this new crossover reality.
Fanning’s thoughtful approach, inspired by Jonsson’s work, suggests we can expect a nuanced and carefully crafted performance. Her synth characters will likely serve as more than just sci-fi window dressing; they could be integral to the plot, perhaps acting as an untrustworthy ally to the human characters or having their own secret corporate directives that conflict with survival.
The a-symetrical battle of a technologically advanced alien hunter versus resourceful humans has always been the core of the Predator series. Adding an android to the mix introduces a fascinating new variable—a being that is neither human nor Yautja, with its own unique strengths, weaknesses, and motivations.
Conclusion
Elle Fanning’s role in Predator: Badlands is one of the most anticipated elements of the upcoming film. Her decision to draw inspiration from David Jonsson’s recent, acclaimed performance in Alien: Romulus shows a deep respect for the shared universe she is entering and a desire to contribute something fresh and memorable. By embracing the challenge of a dual role and seeking to create her own unique synthetic identity, Fanning is poised to become a standout in the long and distinguished line of Alien and Predator franchise actors.
As fans await the film’s release, the news of this Elle Fanning on Predator: Badlands inspiration only heightens the excitement, promising a performance that is both a tribute to the past and a bold step into the future of two of sci-fi’s most iconic properties.
