Director Dan Trachtenberg flips the script on the Predator franchise by turning the titular alien into a protagonist in “Predator: Badlands.” The film follows Dek, a Yautja hunter who sets out to kill the planet’s apex predator, the Kalisk. Along the way, he teams up with an android named Thia and a creature named Bud, who becomes his unlikely ally. Trachtenberg aims to surprise audiences by making the monster the hero of the story, while still delivering intense action sequences and emotional depth.
Trachtenberg designed the creatures on Genna, the planet where the film takes place, based on the ecology and evolution of the environment. He wanted the Yautja to feel like an extension of their surroundings rather than just a terrifying creature. Bud was inspired by beloved characters like Rocket Raccoon and Groot, aiming for a balance between ferocity and emotion.
The film’s ending sets up the possibility of Dek facing his mother, who is shown on a ship approaching at the end of the movie. This could potentially introduce female Yautja, expanding the franchise in an exciting direction. With “Badlands,” Trachtenberg has established himself as a capable director willing to experiment with new ideas and directions for the Predator franchise.
By turning the tables on the typical Predator narrative, Trachtenberg offers a fresh take on the beloved franchise while maintaining its core themes of action and suspense. The inclusion of Bud, an unlikely but lovable ally, adds a unique twist to the story, making “Badlands” a must-see for fans of science fiction and adventure films.
Note: I simplified the text by removing minor details, condensed the article, and reorganized some sections to make it more readable and concise.
Source: https://variety.com/2025/film/news/predator-badlands-ending-stranger-things-cameos-explained-1236573753