Dan Trachtenberg Reveals Bold WWII Idea for Predator Sequel

Dan Trachtenberg, director of the latest installment in the Predator franchise, has shared that his initial concept for a sequel involved a unique twist on the series. The idea, which revolved around a Yautja, the alien hunter, “kicking Nazi butt” during World War II, ultimately evolved into a different narrative direction. In an interview with The Direct, Trachtenberg explained, “The very first nugget of the idea was, what if the Predator wins?”

While he initially envisioned a story where the Predator triumphs, Trachtenberg aimed to create a film that encourages audiences to root for the protagonist. He reflected, “I just really didn’t want it to be a slasher movie where the slasher wins.” This led him to consider a World War II setting, but he later concluded that this approach lacked originality.

Transforming the Concept

The director’s vision shifted as he sought to present the Yautja as a complex character with his own journey. Trachtenberg said, “What if he’s really the protagonist of his own story, and I get people to really root for him on his own journey, his own adventure?” This reimagined focus became the foundation for Predator: Badlands, which is set in the distant future rather than the historical backdrop of World War II.

In the film, the Yautja protagonist, Dek, portrayed by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, is cast out from his clan and embarks on a mission to prove his worth. His journey leads him to form an unlikely alliance with a Weyland-Yutani synthetic character named Thia, played by Elle Fanning.

Despite being Trachtenberg’s third project within the franchise, Predator: Badlands stands as a standalone film. It does not directly connect to 2022’s Prey or the upcoming animated feature Predator: Killer of Killers, although it subtly nods to the broader Alien franchise. Trachtenberg remarked on the film’s interconnectedness, stating, “It just felt, to me, like there was a way to include things in cinematic universes that are already spiritually connected, and involve them in one story, in one movie.”

Release and Reception

Predator: Badlands is currently available in theaters, offering fans a fresh take on the beloved franchise. Trachtenberg’s creative journey from a World War II concept to a futuristic narrative highlights his commitment to reinvigorating the series. For those intrigued by the film, reviews and guides for watching the Predator series in order are also available.

As audiences engage with this latest installment, Trachtenberg’s innovative approach may redefine expectations for future projects in the franchise, paving the way for new storytelling possibilities within the Predator universe.