‘Predator: Badlands’ Director Reveals Original Idea Involved Predator Hunting Nazis in WWII
Director Dan Trachtenberg has shared new details about the origins of Predator: Badlands, revealing that his original concept for the film involved a Predator taking on Nazis during World War II.
Trachtenberg discussed the evolution of the story in an interview with The Direct, explaining how the idea changed over time into a narrative where the Predator is the central character on its own journey.
“The very first nugget of the idea was, what if the Predator wins,” Trachtenberg said, adding that he wanted to avoid a typical slasher scenario. He originally imagined the creature in a WWII setting, “kicking Nazi b****,” before shifting the story to focus on the Predator as a protagonist with “his own journey, his own adventure.”
The director also spoke about the creature’s design, noting that some early concepts were too extreme. He credited costume designer Ngila Dickson, an Oscar winner for The Lord of the Rings, for refining the Predator’s look.
Trachtenberg explained, “Some early designs felt a little too medieval and too Earthbound. The final version is more Spartan, a little more like a Conan Barbarian nomad.”
First hunt. Last chance.
— 20th Century Studios (@20thcentury) July 21, 2025
From the director of Prey, watch the brand-new trailer for Predator: Badlands, in theaters November 7. pic.twitter.com/KrLZznPnL6
Actress Elle Fanning, who plays Weyland-Yutani synthetics Thia and Tessa, described her characters as “more advanced and more human-like,” emphasizing Thia’s empathy and individuality compared to her sister’s rigid, scientific personality. “It’s literally a monster and a robot, but it’s a very human story,” she said.
Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, who portrays Dek, commented on the unusual premise of the film, saying, “Having a Predator be the underdog is such a crazy premise.” He added that his character is “the runt of his family on a mission of redemption.”
Predator: Badlands was released on November 7, and it promises a fresh take on the iconic creature with a focus on character and storytelling as much as action.
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