Dan Trachtenberg, director of Predator: Badlands, explores the unique bond between his main characters, Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi and Elle Fanning, comparing it to the legendary dynamics of Star Wars.
In just a few months, Predator: Badlands will hit theaters, continuing the successful sci-fi franchise. Trachtenberg, who revitalized the saga in 2022 with Prey, later directed the animated film Predator: Killer of Killers for Disney+. Now, he returns to the big screen with this new installment.
The film stars Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi and Elle Fanning, following the story of Dek, a Yautja estranged from his clan, who embarks on a dangerous journey with Thia, a synthetic from Weyland-Yutani, to hunt down the ultimate adversary.
Unlike previous entries, Predator: Badlands features—for the first time—a Yautja as the protagonist rather than the villain, forging an unusual bond with a human-like counterpart.
A Star Wars-Inspired Connection Between Dek and Thia
In an interview with SFX Magazine (via CBR), Trachtenberg revealed that the relationship between Dek and Thia mirrors that of two iconic Star Wars characters: Chewbacca and C-3PO.
“I’ve made the comparison that it’s like Chewbacca and C-3PO: The Movie. But Thia isn’t nervous like C-3PO—she’s unshakable. She’s always positive, no matter the circumstances. You can see that in the trailer when she appears after dismembering some wild creatures.”
Trachtenberg described Dek as a tough, silent Yautja, reminiscent of Clint Eastwood, Mad Max, or even Conan, while Thia brings balance, humor, and lightness to the film.
“Comedy is cathartic in the middle of intensity, violence, and chaos. I love when action movies allow room for fun, and with Dek and Thia, we’ve created a duo unlike anything seen before in Predator—or Alien.”
Release Date and Expectations
Produced by 20th Century Studios, Predator: Badlands will premiere in US theaters on November 7, 2025, before expanding worldwide.
Fans are already buzzing: Will this bold Star Wars-inspired duo reshape the Predator saga forever?
