"Death Planet" Confirmed for New Predator Film, Inspired by Shadow of the Colossus

The debut trailer for Predator: Badlands has ignited curiosity among fans, especially regarding the new Predator character, Dek, portrayed by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi. In an interview with Bloody Disgusting, director Dan Trachtenberg shared exciting details about this upcoming film, focusing on his innovative approach to the iconic sci-fi hunter.

Dek, a Yautja "runt," takes center stage as the protagonist, a departure from the traditional antagonist roles of his species in previous Predator movies. Set on a "Death Planet" named Kalisk, Dek's journey is one of proving his worth to his father and earning acceptance within his clan. His design diverges from past Predators, appearing more human-like and smaller in stature, aligning with his underdog status.

Predator: Badlands is centered around Dek's story, but he's not alone on Kalisk. He forms an alliance with a character played by Elle Fanning, whose appearance strikingly resembles a synth from the Alien franchise, hinted by the Weyland Yutani logo on her eyes. Trachtenberg drew inspiration for their dynamic from the 2005 PlayStation game Shadow of the Colossus, citing the emotional bond between the protagonist and his horse as a poignant reference.

Trachtenberg elaborated on the relationship between Dek and Fanning's character, noting the contrast in their personalities and capabilities. While Dek is laconic, Fanning's character is more expressive and brings unique skills to the table, a dynamic Trachtenberg is eager for audiences to experience.

While Trachtenberg remained coy about the Alien connections and the true nature of Fanning's character, he hinted at a "unique hook" that enhances the pairing with Dek.

Mark your calendars for Predator: Badlands, set to launch on November 7, 2025. Before then, fans can look forward to Trachtenberg's animated anthology, Predator: Killer of Killers, premiering in June.