The debut trailer for *Predator: Badlands* has ignited a flurry of excitement and curiosity among fans, particularly regarding the design of the new Predator character. In an insightful interview with Bloody Disgusting, director Dan Trachtenberg shed light on several intriguing aspects of the upcoming film, including his innovative approach to the iconic sci-fi hunter.

The new Predator, named Dek and portrayed by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, takes on a unique role as an underdog Yautja "runt" in a protagonist position. Traditionally, Yautja, the alien hunters' race, have been depicted as antagonists in Predator movies. Dek's story unfolds on a "Death Planet" called Kalisk, where he strives to earn the respect of his father and acceptance within his clan.

Dek's design diverges from that of previous Predators, appearing more human-like and smaller in stature, which aligns well with his role as an underdog. This fresh take on the character is sure to bring a new perspective to the franchise.

While *Predator: Badlands* centers around Dek, he is not alone on Kalisk. He teams up with a character played by Elle Fanning, whose appearance has drawn comparisons to synths from the *Alien* franchise, notably due to the Weyland Yutani logo visible in her eyes. Trachtenberg hinted at a unique connection between Dek and Fanning's character, drawing inspiration from the 2005 PlayStation game *Shadow of the Colossus*. He noted the emotional depth and contrasting dynamics between the characters, describing Dek as laconic and Fanning's character as more expressive and capable in different ways.

Trachtenberg remained coy about the potential *Alien* connections and the true nature of Fanning's character, teasing a "unique hook" that enhances their on-screen pairing.

*Predator: Badlands* is set to premiere on November 7, 2025. Prior to that, fans can look forward to Trachtenberg's animated anthology, *Predator: Killer of Killers*, which will be released in June.