"Badlands Director Unveils 'Death Planet' and New Predator Details"

The debut trailer for *Predator: Badlands* has ignited a flurry of curiosity among fans, particularly regarding the design of the new Predator. In a detailed interview with Bloody Disgusting, director Dan Trachtenberg shared intriguing insights about the film, including his unique vision for the iconic sci-fi hunter.

The new Predator, named Dek and portrayed by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, marks a departure from the traditional antagonist role of the Yautja, the alien hunter species. Dek is described as an underdog Yautja "runt" who takes on the protagonist role in *Predator: Badlands*. Unlike his predecessors, Dek's design leans more towards a human-like appearance and he is smaller in stature, aligning with his character's narrative as an underdog.

Dek's journey unfolds on a "Death Planet" called Kalisk, where he strives to earn his father's approval and acceptance within his clan. The film's setting on Kalisk and Dek's quest to prove his worth add a compelling layer to the storyline.

While Dek is the central figure, he is not alone. He forms an alliance with a character played by Elle Fanning, whose appearance has drawn comparisons to synths from the *Alien* franchise, notably due to the Weyland Yutani logo visible in her eyes. Trachtenberg drew inspiration from the 2005 PlayStation game *Shadow of the Colossus* for the dynamic between Dek and Fanning's character. He highlighted the emotional resonance of the game's protagonist and companion relationship, likening it to the bond between Dek and Fanning's character.

Trachtenberg teased the unique nature of Fanning's character, emphasizing her contrasting traits to Dek's laconic demeanor. He expressed excitement about her physical abilities, which he believes will captivate audiences, but remained coy about the potential *Alien* franchise connections.

*Predator: Badlands* is set to premiere on November 7, 2025. Before that, fans can look forward to Trachtenberg's animated anthology, *Predator: Killer of Killers*, which will be released in June.