'Death Planet' Confirmed for Predator: Badlands, New Predator Named, Inspired by Shadow of the Colossus

The debut trailer for *Predator: Badlands* has ignited a flurry of curiosity among fans, particularly regarding the design of the new Predator, Dek. In an exclusive interview with Bloody Disgusting, director Dan Trachtenberg shed light on this intriguing addition to the iconic sci-fi franchise.

Dek, portrayed by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, breaks the mold as a Yautja "runt" and underdog protagonist, a departure from the typical antagonist roles filled by Yautja in previous Predator movies. Dek's journey takes him to a "Death Planet" known as Kalisk, where he seeks to prove his worth to his father and earn acceptance within his clan.

Visually, Dek stands out with a more human-like appearance and a smaller stature compared to the towering Predator villains of past films, aligning with his unique role as a protagonist. *Predator: Badlands* centers on Dek's narrative, yet he is not alone on Kalisk. He forms a partnership with a character portrayed by Elle Fanning, whose appearance, complete with the Weyland Yutani logo in her eyes, hints at possible connections to the *Alien* franchise, suggesting she might be a synth.

Trachtenberg drew inspiration from the 2005 PlayStation classic *Shadow of the Colossus* for the dynamic between Dek and Fanning's character. He highlighted the emotional bond similar to the one between the protagonist and the horse in the game, which he found profoundly moving. "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 further teased the unique abilities and contrasting personalities of Dek and Fanning's character, promising a compelling on-screen relationship.

While Trachtenberg remained coy about the specifics of Fanning's character and any direct links to the *Alien* universe, he hinted at an exciting "unique hook" in her pairing with Dek. Fans eager to delve deeper into the Predator universe can mark their calendars for *Predator: Badlands*, set to launch on November 7, 2025. In the meantime, Trachtenberg's animated anthology, *Predator: Killer of Killers*, will premiere in June, offering a thrilling precursor to the main event.