David Bridges
Following the recent release of the electrifying Predator: Badlands trailer by Fox earlier this week, the Hall H panel at San Diego Comic-Con appeared almost redundant. The trailer showcased astonishing action sequences, colossal creatures, and cutting-edge weapons technology, not to mention the captivating Elle Fanning portraying an android that can be worn as a backpack. Fans are undoubtedly thrilled. What else could a dedicated follower of the Predator franchise possibly desire?
It turns out that fans are eager for even more content, as Badlands director Dan Trachtenberg, along with Fanning and other cast members, presented an exclusive sneak peek, offering an additional fifteen minutes of footage from their highly anticipated film set to release on November 7. This preview revealed a rough, unfinished version of the movie’s opening scene, which is much more emotionally charged and impactful than we initially anticipated. This film seems poised to become one of the finest entries in the Predator series, potentially standing alongside Trachtenberg’s previous live-action success, Prey.
While we won’t reveal every detail, it’s important to note that this film promises to defy our expectations significantly. The narrative opens with the protagonist, Predator Dek (portrayed by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi), navigating a barren planet and employing his advanced technology to scale a cliffside. Upon reaching the summit, he enters a vast cave where he encounters someone significant—his brother. A fierce battle ensues, which is intended to validate Dek’s worthiness of his Predator legacy, yet he ultimately faces defeat.
In an effort to redeem himself after this setback, his brother proposes that he selects a perilous creature from the cosmos to hunt and bring back. Dek chooses an almost invincible malevolence that instills fear even in their father. “That’s the one,” Dek declares, acutely aware that failure could lead to his own demise.
When their father arrives, Dek feels compelled to share his bold decision. However, the father scoffs at Dek, lacking any faith in his abilities, and had even instructed the brother to eliminate him. Just as this grim fate is about to unfold, the brother liberates Dek and confines him within their spaceship, leading to a shocking turn of events as their father kills the brother for defiance. He then sends Dek off into the unknown, likely to face his doom. Or is there hope yet?
Adding to the intrigue, all of this unfolds with characters speaking in Yautja, the native tongue of the Predators, enriching the narrative experience.
Are there still hidden surprises awaiting us in Predator: Badlands? Will there be further ties to the Alien universe? Moreover, will this film or Edgar Wright’s The Running Man retain their shared release date of November 7? Answers are on the horizon, and we can’t wait to find out.
Interested in more io9 updates? Discover when to anticipate the latest from Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek, explore upcoming developments in the DC Universe for film and television, and stay informed about the future of Doctor Who.
Daniel Mercer
Ethan Carter
