The Predator Is Back, and Now He’s a Teen

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What made Prey, Dan Trachtenberg’s 2022 prequel to the Predator franchise, stand out was its exploration of the Predator in human history. The film took us back in time to depict the destruction caused by the creature among a group of Native Americans in the Great Plains during the 18th century. While there was something fresh about the setting, the Predator itself wasn’t entirely new, as we’re now familiar with its nature and actions after three decades of the franchise. We’ve witnessed the Predator hunting, killing, and making its distinctive clicky sound. So, it was intriguing to imagine the Predator known to us all, a creature that has been terrorizing humans for centuries, attending high school!

In the upcoming movie “Predator: Badlands”, the main character is a young Predator (portrayed by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi), who takes center stage. A recently released teaser trailer offers a peek at what might be the Predator’s home planet, filled with menacing flora and colossal terrifying creatures. As announced at CinemaCon by Disney, the central Predator in “Badlands” has been banished from his tribe and sets off on a risky voyage. Much like Spider-Man, Hercules, and Zac Efron in “High School Musical”, this Predator embarks on a traditional hero’s journey. However, don’t underestimate him just yet. As director Dan Trachtenberg told Empire magazine, the young Predator has a softer side, hinting that he might be more of a nerd than a jock in this new role.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=oFkbsEKaoSE

In much the same way as any unconventional outsider might need companionship, the young Predator finds himself accompanied on his journey by Thia, portrayed by Elle Fanning. Some viewers suspect that Thia could be an android from Weyland-Yutani, hinted at by a symbol seen in the wreckage of a ship. Fanning’s role seems to be multifaceted according to Empire, possibly implying that we might see both human and robotic versions of her character. If these two unexpected allies can survive their perilous mission for long enough, they might just make it to the prom! The prospect of rooting for a Predator adds an entertaining twist to the original story, especially if it could potentially lead to a fresh installment in the Alien vs. Predator series in the future.

Among the two “Predator” films released this year, one is titled “Badlands,” while the other, an animated feature directed by Trachtenberg, goes by “Predator: Killer of Killers.” In the latter, Trachtenberg revisits his “Prey” origins and sends the adult Predator back in history to engage in combat with a Viking raider, a samurai, and a World War II pilot. As for where the “Predator” franchise could head next, it’s an interesting thought to have a teenage Predator travel through time to duel with a knight in the future.

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2025-04-25 00:54