Fans of the Predator franchise are used to seeing the creature as a menacing antagonist, hunting its prey in some of the most hostile environments on Earth. However, in the case of Predator: Badlands, the latest film in the series, the Predator’s role as the villain almost took a surprising turn. Director Dan Trachtenberg, known for his work on 10 Cloverfield Lane, revealed that Badlands nearly featured a World War II storyline, with the Predator fighting against Nazis. This concept, however, evolved into a unique take where the creature became the hero of his own journey, flipping the traditional narrative on its head.
In an interview with The Direct, Trachtenberg discussed how this idea came about and how it ultimately shaped the direction of the film. While it’s now a completely different story, the initial premise was both surprising and exciting for fans of the Predator franchise. Here’s everything we know about how Predator: Badlands nearly took a much different path before becoming the movie it is today.
The Original Plot: Predator vs. Nazis
The early ideas for Predator: Badlands revolved around the idea of a Predator battling Nazis during World War II. Trachtenberg explained that the first spark for the story came from the question: “What if the Predator wins?” He emphasized that he didn’t want the film to be a slasher movie where the villain simply succeeds, which prompted him to think about flipping the typical Predator formula.
Director’s Original Concept:
In the interview, Trachtenberg said, “The very first nugget of the idea was, what if the Predator wins? I didn’t want it to be a slasher movie where the slasher wins.”
The director envisioned a storyline set during the chaos of World War II, where the Predator would clash with Nazi forces. The notion of this seemingly unstoppable alien warrior taking on the most feared human adversary of the time was an intriguing concept. This concept, while compelling, eventually gave way to the more nuanced, hero-driven approach that defines Badlands today.
However, this initial premise of the Predator fighting Nazis did not last long. As Trachtenberg and his team started developing the idea, it soon became clear that the story would work better if the Predator was not just a killer but also the protagonist of his own journey.
The Evolution of the Concept: Predator as the Hero
As the project progressed, the focus of the film shifted. Instead of portraying the Predator simply as a villain in a World War II setting, Trachtenberg and his team decided to reimagine the creature’s role. The film’s central idea transformed into making the Predator “the protagonist of his own story,” one with a journey and an adventure where he would face challenges and obstacles.
Trachtenberg explained the shift in the direction of the film: “It became about creating a character out of the Predator, giving him his own journey, his own adventure.” By making the Predator the protagonist, the story moved away from the horror slasher trope and into a more dramatic, action-oriented narrative.
Costume Design Reimagining:
As part of this reinvention, costume designer Ngila Dickson, an Oscar winner for her work on The Lord of the Rings, was brought in to reshape the look of the Predator. Early designs of the creature, according to Trachtenberg, felt “too medieval and too Earthbound.” The new design aimed for a more “Spartan” look, drawing inspiration from characters like Conan the Barbarian. The Predator’s aesthetic was crafted to reflect its warrior-like qualities and its nomadic nature, adding depth to the character’s identity as more than just a hunter.
Director’s Insight on the Predator’s New Look:
“Some early designs felt a little too far gone,” Trachtenberg said. “But we ended up with something more Spartan, more like a nomadic warrior. It’s a very different look for the Predator that feels fresh and unique.”
Cast and Character Insights: Who’s Who in Predator: Badlands?
One of the exciting aspects of Predator: Badlands is the impressive ensemble cast, which features a mix of both established and rising talent. While the story’s focus remains on the Predator itself, the human characters also play pivotal roles in driving the narrative forward. Below are some of the key cast members and their respective roles:
| Actor | Character | Previous Work |
|---|---|---|
| Elle Fanning | Thia (Weyland-Yutani) | The Neon Demon, Maleficent |
| Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi | Dek | The Last Duel |
| Martin Freeman | TBA | Sherlock, The Hobbit |
| Fukushi Sota | TBA | Avalanche (Netflix Original Japanese series)* |
| Corey Mylchreest | TBA | Queen Charlotte |
The ensemble cast is one of the film’s strengths, as it brings a mix of emotions, action, and depth to a franchise already rich in intrigue and suspense.
The Future of Predator: Badlands: What’s Next?
Predator: Badlands is set for a theatrical release on November 7, 2025, marking the return of the iconic franchise. Given its unique twist on the Predator lore and the impressive cast, the film is expected to perform well both critically and commercially. However, as Trachtenberg continues to work on other projects, including a My Hero Academia live-action adaptation for Netflix, the long-term future of the Predator franchise could look quite different from what fans expect.
Trachtenberg’s comments regarding his ongoing projects suggest that the fate of Badlands may be tied to the success of this film and how it resonates with fans. While there’s a possibility of future installments, the direction of the franchise may be influenced by the growing success of Badlands and its reception in the broader film landscape.
Martin Freeman on his role:
“The world of the Predator is brutal, and my character is deeply involved in the chaos. It’s a thrilling environment to be a part of, and I’m excited for the audience to see how it unfolds.”
Why This Matters?
By choosing to make the Predator the protagonist of its own journey, Predator: Badlands marks a significant departure from the franchise’s typical structure. This bold creative decision invites viewers to see the iconic creature in a new light, opening the door for further exploration into its complex world.
The film’s action-packed premise, combined with a fresh approach to character development, sets the stage for an exciting addition to the Predator legacy. However, with Trachtenberg’s growing slate of projects and Netflix’s focus on expanding global content, the future of Predator: Badlands could be shaped by its success and the direction Netflix chooses for the franchise going forward.
Conclusion
Predator: Badlands represents a fresh direction for the long-running Predator franchise, providing an exciting opportunity to explore the creature in a new light. With an innovative twist, an all-star cast, and an intriguing storyline, the film promises to offer a unique take on a beloved character. Fans of the Predator series will be eagerly anticipating the release in 2025 to see how this new approach unfolds.
FAQs
Predator: Badlands is set for a theatrical release on November 7, 2025.
The film is directed by Dan Trachtenberg, known for 10 Cloverfield Lane.
The film follows a reimagined Predator as it embarks on a journey of self-discovery, breaking away from its typical role as a villain and becoming a hero in its own right.
The film stars Elle Fanning, Martin Freeman, Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, and others, with a significant supporting cast.
As of now, Netflix has not confirmed a sequel, but the film’s success could determine the direction of the franchise.
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