The debut trailer for *Predator: Badlands* has ignited a flurry of excitement and curiosity among fans, particularly regarding the design of the new Predator, Dek. In an insightful interview with Bloody Disgusting, director Dan Trachtenberg unveiled intriguing details about this latest installment in the iconic sci-fi franchise.
Dek, portrayed by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, is a unique addition to the Predator universe. Described as an underdog Yautja "runt," Dek takes on the protagonist role, a departure from the typical Yautja antagonists seen in previous Predator films. This new character embarks on a quest for validation and acceptance within his clan on the "Death Planet" Kalisk, where he selects his hunting ground to prove his worth to his father.
Visually, Dek stands out with a design that some fans have noted as more human-like than previous Predators. His smaller stature aligns with his "runt" status, setting him apart from the towering villains of past movies. *Predator: Badlands* centers on Dek's journey, but he's not alone on Kalisk. He forms an alliance with a character played by Elle Fanning, whose appearance has sparked speculation about a connection to the Alien franchise, particularly due to the Weyland Yutani logo visible in her eyes, suggesting she might be a synth.
Trachtenberg drew inspiration from the 2005 PlayStation game *Shadow of the Colossus* for the dynamic between Dek and Fanning's character. He highlighted the emotional depth of the protagonist's relationship with a companion in the game, likening it to the bond between Dek and Fanning's character. Trachtenberg teased that while Dek is laconic, Fanning's character is the opposite, bringing a vibrant contrast and unique capabilities to their partnership.
While Trachtenberg remained coy about the specifics of Fanning's character and any potential Alien connections, he hinted at an exciting and unique aspect to her role that enhances the pairing with Dek.
*Predator: Badlands* is set to launch on November 7, 2025. Fans can also look forward to Trachtenberg's animated anthology, *Predator: Killer of Killers*, which will be released in June, offering more thrilling adventures in the Predator universe.
