Predator's Death Planet Confirmed, Inspired by Shadow of Colossus

The debut trailer for Predator: Badlands has ignited fan discussions, particularly about the reimagined design of the new Predator.

In an exclusive interview with Bloody Disgusting, director Dan Trachtenberg shared fresh insights about Predator: Badlands, including his innovative approach to the iconic sci-fi hunter.

The film introduces a new Predator named Dek, portrayed by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi. Unlike traditional portrayals of Yautja (the species' proper name) as antagonists, Dek serves as an underdog protagonist - a diminutive "runt" within his warrior clan.

A Hunter's Proving Ground

Dek selects his hunting grounds on Kalisk, a lethal "Death Planet" where he must demonstrate his worth to earn his father's approval and clan acceptance.

The redesigned Predator features a notably different aesthetic - more humanoid in appearance and smaller in stature compared to previous iterations. This physicality reinforces Dek's underdog status within the Yautja hierarchy.

While Dek drives the narrative, he's not alone on Kalisk. He forms an unlikely partnership with Elle Fanning's mysterious character, whose design fuels speculation about potential Alien franchise connections.

Video Game Inspiration

Trachtenberg revealed the dynamic between Dek and Fanning's character draws inspiration from the emotional bond in Shadow of the Colossus (2005).

"As influenced by cinema, I've found enormous inspiration in games like Shadow of the Colossus, where the protagonist shares this profound, wordless connection," Trachtenberg explained. "That devastating moment with Agro... we wanted to capture similar emotional weight between our Predator and this contrasting character."

The director remained characteristically coy about potential Alien crossovers or Fanning's true nature, teasing only: "Their pairing has this incredible dynamic - his stoic physicality contrasting with her unexpected capabilities."

Predator: Badlands arrives in theaters November 7, 2025. Fans can experience Trachtenberg's animated anthology Predator: Killer of Killers this June.