Badlands Director Reveals a Predator vs. Nazis Plot That Almost Happened

Dan Trachtenberg revealed how Predator: Badlands nearly featured a World War II storyline before evolving into its final form. The director explained how the original concept centered on a Predator battling Nazis, an idea that later transformed into a story where the creature becomes the hero of his own journey.

Dan Trachtenberg on how he got the story of Predator: Badlands

Dan Trachtenberg opened up about how the idea for Predator: Badlands originated during an interview with The Direct. The director revealed that “the very first nugget of the idea was, what if the Predator wins,” adding that he “didn’t want it to be a slasher movie where the slasher wins.” Trachtenberg explained that he initially envisioned a World War II setting, imagining a Predator “kicking Nazi b—.” He later decided to make the creature “the protagonist of his own story” with “his own journey, his own adventure.”

He elaborated that some early design concepts went too far when reimagining the Yautja, noting, “There probably were some designs that were like too far gone.” Trachtenberg credited costume designer Ngila Dickson, an Oscar winner for The Lord of the Rings, for redefining the Predator’s look. 

He said, “This is the first time we really had someone who’s like the costume department, a true artist of that specific craft… some early designs felt a little too medieval and too Earthbound.” The final version aimed for something “more Spartan” and “a little bit more like Conan Barbarian nomad.”

Elle Fanning, who portrays Weyland-Yutani synthetics Thia and Tessa, described her characters as “more advanced and more human-like.” She emphasized Thia’s empathy and individuality in contrast to her sister’s more rigid and scientific nature. “It’s literally a monster and a robot, but it’s a very human story,” she said.

Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, who plays Dek, shared that “having a Predator be the underdog is such a crazy premise.” He explained that his character is “the runt of his family” on “a mission of redemption.” Predator: Badlands releases in theaters on Nov. 7, 2025.

Originally reported by Vritti Johar on SuperHeroHype.

Source: Comingsoon.net