Since its inception in 1987, the Predator franchise has captivated audiences with its unique blend of science fiction, action, and horror. Featuring an otherworldly hunter who tests the limits of human ingenuity and survival, the series has often adhered to a familiar yet effective formula: humans face off against the nearly invincible Predator, relying on wit and resourcefulness to prevail.
However, the upcoming installment, Predator: Badlands, promises to revolutionize the series by flipping the narrative entirely. Under the visionary direction of Dan Trachtenberg, known for the critically acclaimed Prey, this new chapter reimagines the Predator itself as the protagonist, challenging long-held conventions and redefining what the franchise can be.
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A Predator-Centric Storyline: Breaking Tradition
The concept of making a Predator the central figure is a radical departure for the franchise. Historically, the titular creatures have been shrouded in mystery, their motivations often secondary to their role as fearsome antagonists. In Predator: Badlands, Trachtenberg seeks to shift this perspective. Speaking to Empire, he revealed his ambition to place the Predator “front and center, leading the charge.” He described the challenge of crafting a character that balances emotional resonance with the terrifying aura that fans have come to expect.
“He’s still badass,” Trachtenberg noted, “but something there touches you emotionally, too. Creating a character you connect with, but are also super-intimidated by, has been challenging. But exciting.”
This focus on the Predator as a protagonist signals a new direction not just for this film, but potentially for the entire franchise. By humanizing—yet maintaining the alien mystique of—the Predator, the filmmakers aim to offer audiences a fresh lens through which to experience the story.
Trachtenberg’s Vision: Building on the Success of Prey
Dan Trachtenberg’s work on Prey proved his ability to innovate within the Predator universe. Released in 2022, the film garnered widespread acclaim for its minimalist storytelling and unique setting. It followed a young Comanche woman as she faced off against one of the alien hunters in the 18th century, exploring themes of survival, identity, and resilience. By blending cultural specificity with visceral action, Trachtenberg demonstrated that the Predator formula could thrive in unconventional contexts.
With Predator: Badlands, Trachtenberg aims to replicate the boundary-pushing spirit of Prey while exploring uncharted territory. His approach is not merely about flipping roles but finding new ways to engage the audience emotionally.
“I wanted to find another essential piece of cinema that does what Prey did spiritually—pushing the franchise’s boundaries, letting us root for a hero we rarely get to root for—but in a different way,” he explained.
This ambition aligns with a broader trend in modern cinema: reexamining established tropes and archetypes. Films like Joker and Maleficent have shown that audiences are increasingly receptive to stories told from unconventional perspectives, even those of iconic villains or antagonists.
The Predator as a Hero: Emotional Complexity Meets Intimidation
Transforming the Predator from a menacing adversary into a hero is no small task. For decades, the franchise has portrayed these alien hunters as enigmatic, brutal beings driven by a code of honor that revolves around the hunt. Their appeal lies in their mystery and near-invincibility, qualities that have made them compelling antagonists. To make a Predator a sympathetic character without diminishing its intimidating presence requires a delicate balance.
Trachtenberg’s approach appears to hinge on creating a layered character—one that retains its lethal prowess while revealing new dimensions of its personality and motivations. This complexity is expected to draw viewers into the Predator’s world, encouraging them to see the creature not as a monster but as a being with its own struggles, conflicts, and perhaps even vulnerabilities.
Elle Fanning’s Role: A New Kind of Human Counterpart
Adding to the intrigue is the casting of Elle Fanning as the primary human character in Predator: Badlands. Known for her versatility and emotional depth, Fanning’s involvement suggests that the human element of the story will be far from secondary. While details about her character remain under wraps, her role will likely serve as a counterpoint to the Predator, creating a dynamic interplay between the two central figures.
The balance between Fanning’s character and the Predator is crucial to the film’s success. If executed well, their relationship could echo some of the franchise’s most memorable pairings, such as Dutch and the Predator in the original film or Naru and the Predator in Prey. However, this time, the focus will not solely be on conflict but potentially on mutual understanding or collaboration—a bold narrative shift for the series.
