"Predator: Badlands Director Reveals 'Death Planet' and New Predator's Name, Inspired by Shadow of the Colossus"

The debut trailer for *Predator: Badlands* has ignited a flurry of excitement and questions among fans, particularly about the design of the new Predator, Dek. In a revealing interview with Bloody Disgusting, director Dan Trachtenberg shared intriguing details about this latest addition to the Predator franchise.

Dek, portrayed by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, is a unique take on the iconic sci-fi hunter. Described as an underdog Yautja "runt," Dek breaks the mold by taking on a protagonist role, unlike the typical antagonist Yautja seen in previous Predator movies. His journey unfolds on a "Death Planet" named Kalisk, where he strives to prove his worth to his father and earn acceptance within his clan.

Visually, Dek diverges from his predecessors, appearing more human-like and smaller in stature, fitting his role as a "runt." This new design has sparked discussions among fans, who are eager to see how this fresh interpretation will play out in the film.

*Predator: Badlands* centers on Dek's story, but he's not alone on Kalisk. He forms an intriguing partnership with a character played by Elle Fanning, whose appearance suggests a connection to the *Alien* franchise, sporting the Weyland Yutani logo in her eyes. Trachtenberg has hinted that Fanning's character might be a synth, drawing inspiration from the 2005 PlayStation game *Shadow of the Colossus* for their dynamic.

"As inspired as I am by movies, I've been very inspired by video games [like] *Shadow of the Colossus*, where you have a protagonist paired with someone else who provides color and connection," Trachtenberg explained. He drew a parallel to the emotional bond between the player and the horse in *Shadow of the Colossus*, suggesting a similar poignant connection between Dek and Fanning's character. Trachtenberg emphasized the contrast between the two characters, noting Dek's laconic nature against Fanning's more expressive and capable persona.

While Trachtenberg remained coy about the specifics of Fanning's character and the *Alien* connections, he teased a "unique hook" that adds excitement to their partnership.

*Predator: Badlands* is set to hit the screens 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.