The Predator franchise has given us many memorable heroes over the years. From Arnold Schwarzenegger’s muscle-bound character in the original film to Danny Glover’s tough LA cop in the sequel, the series has featured a range of unlikely protagonists. Most recently, we saw Amber Midthunder’s Comanche warrior Naru in Prey. But for his next Predator outing, director Dan Trachtenberg has something very different in mind.
A New Approach to the Predator Franchise
Predator: Badlands is set to release in 2025, alongside another secret Predator film Trachtenberg shot simultaneously. This film isn’t a direct follow-up to Prey but instead takes place in the future on an alien planet. The biggest twist, however, is that this time the Predator itself will take centre stage as the protagonist.
Trachtenberg shared his excitement about the project, saying, “The creature is front and centre, leading the charge. He’s still badass, but there’s something there that touches you emotionally too.” He explained that creating a character who is both intimidating and emotionally engaging posed a unique challenge, but one that was thrilling to explore.
Breaking Boundaries and Rooting for the Predator
The idea behind Badlands, according to Trachtenberg, was to push the boundaries of the Predator franchise. He wanted to find another cinematic experience similar to Prey, where the audience could empathise with a character they don’t usually root for. “It transformed into this big idea of rooting for the Predator,” he said.
This marks a major shift for the franchise, as it gives audiences the opportunity to connect with the Predator in a way that has never been explored before.
A Dual Role for Elle Fanning
While the Predator will take the spotlight, Predator: Badlands will also feature humans, including Elle Fanning in a major role. Fanning will portray multiple characters in the film, which promises to be a challenging experience both dramatically and physically. Trachtenberg teased, “She faced intense challenges on this movie — dramatically, physically, logistically.” With a Predator as the lead and Fanning playing multiple characters, Badlands is shaping up to be an exciting addition to the Predator saga.
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