Elle Fanning’s Unlikely Bond With Predator in Badlands: Director’s Insight

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Summary

  • Predator: Badlands director Dan Trachtenberg said the video game, Shadow of the Colossus, inspired Thia and Dek’s dynamics.
  • Thia and Dek’s unexpected partnership is set on the “Death Planet” named Kalisk.
  • Thia and Dek’s relationship in Badlands mirrors successful pairings seen in video games and films like The Iron Giant.

The movie titled “Predator: Badlands” is set for release later this year, and fans are eagerly awaiting it following the trailer’s release. Recently, the director has revealed additional information about the two main characters.

Among the Predator movies set to release this year, besides the well-known Predator, there’s another highly anticipated film titled Predator: Killer of Killers. This movie marks the debut of an animated feature within the science fiction franchise and is directed by Dan Trachtenberg, who gained the appreciation of Predator fans with his work in Prey. The upcoming films have garnered approval from fans after they watched their trailers, as they believe that Trachtenberg has effectively revived the elements that draw audiences to the Predator series.

Following the release of the Badlands trailer, Trachtenberg provided additional insights into the relationship between its two characters, Thia (played by Elle Fanning) and Dek (portrayed by Dimitrius Koloamatangi).

In a conversation with Bloody Disgusting, the director of the movie “Predator: Badlands” discussed the unique bond between two main characters, Dek (the Predator) and Thia (a Weytani-Yutani android). He drew inspiration for this relationship from popular video games like Shadow of the Colossus, where a protagonist is accompanied by another character who adds depth and emotional connection. The director was particularly moved by the bond between Agro, a horse, and Wander, the main character in Shadow of the Colossus. In this game, Agro serves not only as transportation but also as a friend and emotional support for Wander, who is alone in a desolate world. Despite being just an animal, Agro demonstrates unwavering loyalty to Wander by accompanying him fearlessly on his perilous journey. Later in the game, Agro sacrifices herself to save Wander, but fortunately, she survives with injuries. The director aimed to replicate this kind of supportive and self-sacrificing ally for the Predator in “Predator: Badlands.

The Relationship Between Elle Fanning’s Thia And The Young Predator Dek Will Be Key To Predator: Badlands‘ Story

In the movie “Predator: Badlands,” Trachtenberg chooses to utilize similar interplay dynamics for the characters Thia and Dek. He hinted that Thia is a character who stands in stark contrast to Dek, but their differences actually work harmoniously. For example, he is known for his brevity, whereas she isn’t. She possesses abilities that he lacks. Intriguingly, Trachtenberg can hardly wait for viewers to witness Thia’s unique qualities. Yet, he remains tight-lipped about it, preferring that the audience discover those aspects on their own.

She’s capable in ways that he is not.

In a fresh take on the Predator series, the director of “Predator: Killer of Killers” is breaking new ground by forming an unexpected partnership between two characters within the franchise. This method isn’t novel, yet it often proves effective. For instance, the 1999 animated film “The Iron Giant,” also employed this technique. It introduced Hogarth Hughes, a spirited and courageous young boy from a small town during the Cold War era, to The Iron Giant, an enormous alien robot engineered for destruction but capable of empathy and kindness. Through their friendship, Hogarth instilled compassion and morality in the Giant, while learning about sacrifice and trust himself. The contrast between these two characters not only fostered growth but also created heart-rending emotional tension.

In the movie ‘Predator: Badlands’, Thia and Dek are likely to share a similar bond. As stated by Trachtenberg, they contrast each other but their differences complement their shortcomings. One character might lack certain abilities, while the other compensates for it, creating a powerful duo. The audience can anticipate themes of camaraderie, reliance, and teamwork between these two distinct creatures in ‘Badlands’, which is an intriguing shift from the usual dynamics within the Predator franchise. This unique twist certainly adds to the movie’s appeal and excitement.

Predator: Badlands hits theaters on November 7, 2025.

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2025-04-26 22:50