"Predator: Badlands Director Unveils 'Death Planet' and New Predator Details"

The debut trailer for *Predator: Badlands* has ignited a flurry of curiosity among fans, particularly about the design of the new Predator character, Dek. In a revealing interview with Bloody Disgusting, director Dan Trachtenberg shared exciting new details about the film, offering a fresh perspective on the iconic sci-fi hunter.

Dek, portrayed by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, is introduced as an underdog Yautja “runt” who takes on the protagonist role, a departure from the typical Yautja antagonist seen in previous Predator films. This new Predator embarks on his journey on a “Death Planet” named Kalisk, where he strives to prove his worth to his father and gain acceptance within his clan.

Visually, Dek stands out with a design that many fans have noted to be more human-like than his predecessors. His smaller stature aligns perfectly with his role as a “runt,” setting him apart from the towering Predator villains we’ve encountered in the past.

*Predator: Badlands* is centered around Dek's narrative, yet he is not alone on Kalisk. He teams up with a character played by Elle Fanning, who, as discussed by IGN, bears a striking resemblance to a synth from the Alien franchise, complete with the Weyland Yutani logo visible in her eyes. This intriguing detail raises questions about her true nature and the potential connections to the Alien universe.

Trachtenberg drew inspiration for the dynamic between Dek and Fanning's character from the 2005 PlayStation classic *Shadow of the Colossus*. He highlighted the emotional connection between the protagonist and another character in that game, likening it to the relationship between Dek and Fanning’s character. Trachtenberg expressed excitement about the unique attributes of Fanning's character, hinting at a compelling contrast between the two leads.

While Trachtenberg remained somewhat secretive about the Alien connections and the specifics of Fanning’s character, he teased a "unique hook" that adds an exciting dimension to their partnership.

*Predator: Badlands* is slated for release on November 7, 2025. Fans can look forward to Trachtenberg's animated anthology, *Predator: Killer of Killers*, which will hit screens in June, offering a taste of what's to come in the Predator universe.