'Predator: Badlands' director wanted to "force" classic movie monster "through a gauntlet"

Elle Fanning and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi star as Thia and Dek in the latest installment in the "Predator" franchise.

'Predator: Badlands' director wanted to put Dek "through a gauntlet"
Director Dan Trachtenberg explains the backstory behind "Predator: Badlands," the newest installment in the "Predator" franchise, in theaters Nov. 7.
20th Century Studios
ByCrystal Benitez OTRC logo
Wednesday, October 29, 2025

"Welcome to the most dangerous planet in the universe." "Predator: Badlands" director Dan Trachtenberg spills on the backstory of the latest installment in the "Predator" franchise.

Elle Fanning (Thia) and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi (Dek) star in the action movie and become unlikely allies while trying to survive on a treacherous remote planet.

In a featurette for the film, Trachtenberg explains his thought process, "After 'Prey,' I wanted to do something new with the franchise, which is taking this classic movie monster and forcing him through a gauntlet to truly test him. And, see what he's made of."

He's also excited for audiences to have "a real giant screen adventure where they are rooting for a character that they've never been able to root for before."

Schuster-Koloamatangi, whose character faces off "against not just insane creatures, but also the planet itself," weighed in on Trachtenberg's passion for the project. "He's a massive 'Predator' fan. He's so passionate about the story and the universe."

Trachtenberg's track record proves his love for the franchise. He helmed "Prey" and also Hulu's animated flick "Predator: Killer of Killers."

20th Century Studios' "Predator: Badlands" premieres in theaters November 7.

The Walt Disney Company is the parent company of 20th Century Studios and this ABC station.

Copyright © 2026 OnTheRedCarpet.com. All Rights Reserved.