"Predator: Badlands Director Unveils 'Death Planet' and New Predator Names, Cites Shadow of the Colossus as Inspiration"

The debut trailer for *Predator: Badlands* has generated considerable buzz, particularly around the design and role of the film’s new Predator character. In a recent interview with Bloody Disgusting, director Dan Trachtenberg shared exclusive insights into the upcoming sci-fi action film, shedding light on his vision for this installment and the unique direction it takes within the Predator universe.

The new Predator, named Dek and portrayed by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, breaks from tradition in more ways than one. Unlike previous entries where Predators typically appear as antagonists, Dek is positioned as the protagonist—a young Yautja underdog striving to prove himself. The term “runt” was used to describe Dek, emphasizing his lower status among his kind and setting him apart from the towering, battle-hardened hunters usually seen in the franchise.

Dek chooses his battleground carefully—Kalisk, a deadly alien world referred to as a “Death Planet.” It’s here that he embarks on a mission not only to survive but to earn recognition from his father and gain acceptance within his clan. His journey is both physical and emotional, highlighting themes of identity, belonging, and self-worth.

Dek’s visual design also marks a departure from earlier Predator iterations. He appears more human-like and less imposing compared to past characters, reinforcing his status as an outcast trying to rise through the ranks. This design choice supports the narrative of Dek being underestimated, giving weight to his eventual triumphs.

He won’t be alone on Kalisk. Joining him is a character played by Elle Fanning, whose presence has fueled speculation about potential ties to the *Alien* universe. Fans have noted visual similarities to synthetics (synths) like those seen in *Alien: Romulus*, especially after spotting the Weyland-Yutani logo reflected in her eyes in promotional material.

Trachtenberg revealed that the dynamic between Dek and Fanning’s character draws inspiration from the critically acclaimed PlayStation 2 game *Shadow of the Colossus*. Much like the bond formed between its protagonist and the colossal creatures, the director wanted to explore a relationship built on contrast and connection.

“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 elaborated on how the emotional depth of that game influenced the chemistry between Dek and Fanning’s character, noting their contrasting personalities—his quiet intensity versus her expressive energy. He also hinted at a surprising physical trait of Fanning’s character, though details remain under wraps for now.

When asked directly about potential *Alien* connections or the nature of Fanning’s character, Trachtenberg remained coy, offering only cryptic hints:

“There’s a unique hook to her character that is exciting in the pairing of [her and Dek].”

Fans will finally get to see these characters in action when *Predator: Badlands* releases on November 7, 2025. Ahead of that, Trachtenberg’s animated anthology series *Predator: Killer of Killers* is set to debut in June, offering additional context and expanding the lore of this iconic sci-fi universe.