With the recent release of the exhilarating Predator: Badlands trailer by Fox, you might think the excitement peaked. Yet, the anticipation only grew at the San Diego Comic-Con Hall H panel. Packed with breathtaking action sequences, towering creatures, and cutting-edge weaponry, the trailer, which features Elle Fanning as an android being carried like a backpack, left fans buzzing. What else could possibly enhance the thrill for devoted followers of the franchise?
As it turns out, Badlands director Dan Trachtenberg, along with Fanning and the cast, had a surprise in store—an additional fifteen minutes of footage. This sneak peek was a rough cut of the film’s opening and revealed a much deeper emotional narrative than we had anticipated. It suggests that this installment could rank among the finest entries in the Predator series, right alongside Trachtenberg’s previous work, Prey.
While we won’t divulge every detail, it’s clear that Badlands offers unexpected twists. The film opens with the central Predator, Dek (portrayed by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi), navigating a barren planet and utilizing advanced technology to scale a cliff. Upon reaching the summit, he enters a massive cave inhabited by his brother, sparking an intense confrontation meant to assert Dek’s worthiness as a Predator. Unfortunately, he comes out on the losing end.
In a bid to redeem himself, his brother suggests he hunt a formidable prey from the cosmos and return victorious. Choosing an unkillable evil that even their father fears, Dek declares, “That’s the one,” fully aware that failing could seal his fate.
As their father arrives, Dek nervously shares his decision. Instead of support, his father scoffs at his son’s ambition, revealing he had instructed the brother to kill him. Just as it seems dark for Dek, the brother defies their father, freeing Dek and locking him in their spaceship—only for the father to retaliate by murdering the brother out of defiance and sending Dek off into potential peril. Or is it?
Interestingly, this entire sequence is presented with subtitles in Yautja, the Predator language, adding depth and authenticity to the narrative.
Are there more twists in store for Predator: Badlands? Will we see connections to the Alien franchise? And with both this movie and Edgar Wright’s The Running Man set for release on November 7, will either film shift its date? Only time will tell.
What is the release date for Predator: Badlands? The film is set to hit theaters on November 7, 2023, alongside The Running Man.
How does Badlands connect to the earlier films in the franchise? While details are still under wraps, the emotional depth and character connections hint at a rich backstory that may enhance the overall lore of the Predator series.
What makes Predator: Badlands different from previous entries? The focus on emotional stakes and character development, along with the fresh perspective from director Dan Trachtenberg, aims to elevate this film beyond standard action fare.
Will Badlands include any crossover elements with the Alien franchise? While nothing has been confirmed yet, fans are eagerly speculating about potential links that could delight both Predator and Alien enthusiasts.
As excitement builds for this new installment, now is the perfect time to explore related content. Don’t miss out on the latest updates and discussions at Moyens I/O.