‘Predator: Badlands’ Director Reveals His World War II Predator Movie Idea That Needs to Happen

Predator: Badlands is a fresh take on the Predator franchise, flipping the script by making the creature the protagonist. This Predator, named Dek and played by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, is portrayed as an unlikely hero. Adding another layer to the story, the film also includes characters from the Alien universe – Elle Fanning plays a pair of Weyland-Yutani synthetics named Thia and Tessa – creating a unique crossover experience.

The movie’s story actually began in a different place. TopMob spoke with director Dan Trachtenberg, known for Predator: Badlands and Prey, as well as co-directing Killer of Killers. He shared the unexpected beginnings of the film, revealing that it nearly took place during World War II with Nazis as part of the plot.

Dan Trachtenberg initially considered a story where the Predator actually wins, but quickly decided against making a typical slasher film. He then explored the idea of making the audience sympathize with the Predator, which led him to consider a setting during World War II where the creature would defeat Nazis.

Over time, the Predator became the central character, with a story focused on his personal experiences and adventures.

I recently chatted with Elle Fanning and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, the stars of Predator: Badlands! It was so interesting to hear them talk about how they made their characters, Thia and Dek, really stand out and bring something new to the Predator universe. TopMob’s Russ Milheim interviewed them, and you can find the full interviews below – definitely worth checking out!

Disney’s Predator: Badlands hits theaters on November 7, 2025.

The Crazy WWII Origin Story of How Predator: Badlands Came to Be

What If the Predator Was Unleashed Against the Nazis?

TopMob: “When you were thinking of this idea, what was some stuff that maybe, as you’re thinking about these wide swings, what was maybe too much or too far?”

Dan Trachtenberg started with a simple question: what if the Predator actually won? He didn’t want to make a typical slasher film where the villain succeeds. He wanted the audience to be on the Predator’s side, and initially thought setting it during World War II, with the Predator fighting Nazis, might work. But that didn’t feel original enough. Ultimately, he decided to make the Predator the hero of his own story, someone the audience could genuinely root for throughout his own unique adventure.

It’s hard to say exactly what went too far. I was constantly asking people to rethink the Yautja’s design and come up with something new. Looking back, some of the concepts we explored were probably too radical, and even some of the costume ideas felt a little too refined or sophisticated for the character.

Ngila Dickson, the costume designer who won an Oscar for ‘Lord of the Rings,’ joined our team. Normally, our creature designers handle the Yautja costumes, but this was the first time we had a dedicated costume department artist working on their wardrobe. Some of her initial designs felt too similar to medieval Earth clothing, so we aimed for a look that was tougher and more Spartan, reflecting the Yautja’s intense culture. We were also inspired by the nomadic style of Conan the Barbarian.

Elle Fanning on How She Made Her Mark on the Franchise’s Synthetic Legacy

Fanning’s Thia and Tessa “Have a Bigger Personality” Than Normal.

In Predator: Badlands, Elle Fanning portrays two synthetic humans, Thia and Tessa, created by Weyland-Yutani. Thia, initially believed to be destroyed, is a compassionate character who is found by Dek and helps him with his mission. Her sister, Tessa, is tougher and less friendly.

Elle Fanning discussed with TopMob how she was able to bring her own creative vision to the series and develop a new character for the established world of Alien and Predator.

As a big ‘Alien’ fan myself, I was so thrilled to be part of that universe! It felt amazing to join the actors who’ve played characters working for Weyland-Yutani – it’s truly special. What I loved most was working with Dan [Trachtenberg] to create a completely new kind of synthetic being, something we hadn’t seen before in any ‘Alien’ or ‘Predator’ movie. This film really pushes the timeline forward, taking things into a future beyond anything we’ve imagined in those franchises.

What I really loved about this project was how we could build these incredibly unique androids, especially Thia. We were able to give her much more complex and realistic emotions, and a really strong personality. Even though she’s still clearly a robot, she’s surprisingly empathetic, and that’s what makes this film so special to me. It’s a deeply human story about a monster and a robot, and it’s full of heart, even though there aren’t any actual humans in it! As a huge fan of Bishop and Michael Fassbender’s work in ‘Prometheus’ – where he played two roles – I felt like I got to experience a bit of that dual role magic myself.

Tessa is definitely more driven and analytical in her approach. Thia, on the other hand, has been through a lot and feels a bit lost. She’s spent time seeing the world but also feels trapped, and that experience has made her appreciate the beauty around her and crave connection, even though she’s not human. We really enjoyed developing their backstories and histories, and since Dan is passionate about that too, it makes sense that he’s leading the franchise in a new direction.

Predator: Badlands Star Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi on Creating a Truly Unique Yaujta

“Having a Predator Be the Underdog Is Such a Crazy Premise.”

Let me tell you, “Predator: Badlands” really hinges on Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi’s performance as Dek, the Yaujta. Dek’s a fascinating character – he’s the smallest of his clan, a real underdog, and completely driven to prove what he’s capable of. Honestly, the whole story wouldn’t work without him; he’s the heart of it.

The actor who played the central Predator in the movie recently discussed with TopMob how he developed his character’s unique take on the Yautja – a Predator unlike any seen before.

Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi shared that working with Dek, from the very beginning, was a great experience. He was particularly drawn to the script’s unique take on the Predator franchise. He felt that the idea of a Predator being the underdog was a really interesting and unexpected concept.

We’re used to seeing these creatures as powerful, dominant predators – the ones who command attention and create a sense of dread. I wanted to stay true to those established characteristics, so I revisited all the movies and comics to identify and incorporate everything that makes them so recognizable and beloved. After all, this franchise has been around for 40 years, and there are clearly elements that have resonated with audiences all along.

I also wanted to give this Predator a distinct personality and make him stand out, because he is different – he’s smaller than most, kind of the underdog of his family. His hunt isn’t just about taking down the most dangerous prey; it’s about proving his worth and finding redemption. That shapes his entire story. I really wanted to honor the previous films while also bringing something fresh and exciting to the franchise, and I think Dan did a fantastic job bringing these characters to life.

The full interviews can be viewed here:

2025-11-05 05:07