What if the hunter became the hero? That’s the bold twist director Dan Trachtenberg dared to explore with *Predator: Badlands*, a film he describes as a complete reinvention of the franchise’s DNA. After the breakout hit *Prey* introduced fans to the fierce Naru (Amber Midthunder), many expected a sequel to follow. But Trachtenberg had bigger plans: to flip the script and turn the Predator into the protagonist. 'People often get so fixated on *what* could happen next in a series that they forget to ask *should* it happen next?' he told Empire. For Trachtenberg, *Prey* was a groundbreaking experiment, and *Badlands* needed to be its equal in ambition. But here's where it gets controversial... what if the creature we’ve always feared is actually the underdog?
Set in a distant future on a desolate alien planet, *Badlands* follows Dek (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi), a young Predator exiled from his clan, and Thia (Elle Fanning), a human who becomes his unexpected ally. Together, they embark on a perilous adventure to confront the ultimate threat. Trachtenberg emphasized that this isn’t just a sci-fi action flick—it’s a 'buddy-comedy' at its core. 'Prey was about survival; this is about connection,' he explained. And this is the part most people miss: the film’s heart lies in its unlikely friendship. By making viewers root for Dek, Trachtenberg challenges a sci-fi staple: the idea that creatures are either villains or sidekicks. 'What if you’re not hunting the Predator but *with* it?' he asked. 'What if you’re seeing the galaxy through its eyes?'
The director’s vision doesn’t stop at *Badlands*. Fresh off *Prey*, Trachtenberg also directed *Killer of Killers*, an animated anthology that’s already begging for a sequel after a jaw-dropping epilogue teased at San Diego Comic-Con. And if *Badlands* thrills audiences, he’s got more surprises in store. 'After *Prey*, I had three ideas,' he revealed. 'One was *Killer of Killers*, one was *Badlands*... and the third is waiting in the wings.' Could this mean a deeper dive into Predator lore or a time-hopping adventure? Trachtenberg left the door open, sparking debates: Should the franchise prioritize fresh ideas over nostalgia? Is making the Predator a hero a stroke of genius or a risky gamble?
*Predator: Badlands* hits theaters on November 7. So, what do you think—does turning the hunter into the hero redefine the franchise, or does it lose the edge that made the Predator iconic? Sound off in the comments below.
