The debut trailer for *Predator: Badlands* has generated significant buzz, particularly around the design and role of the film’s new Predator character. In a recent interview with Bloody Disgusting, director Dan Trachtenberg shared intriguing insights into his vision for the upcoming sci-fi action film and offered some revealing details about the all-new Yautja hunter at its center.

This new Predator is named Dek and is portrayed by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi. Unlike previous entries in the franchise where Predators typically serve as antagonists, Dek takes on the protagonist role. He's described as an underdog within the Yautja race—a "runt" among hunters—struggling to prove himself in a world that values strength and dominance.

Dek chooses his battleground carefully—a dangerous planet known as Kalisk, often referred to as a “Death Planet.” Here, he must fight not only external threats but also internal doubts as he seeks validation from his father and recognition from his clan.

Dek’s appearance marks a departure from traditional Predator designs. While still unmistakably part of the Yautja species, he appears more human-like than his predecessors. His stature is notably smaller compared to the towering alien hunters seen in earlier films, reinforcing his status as an outcast trying to rise through the ranks.

*Predator: Badlands* isn’t just Dek’s solo journey. He forms an unlikely alliance with a character played by Elle Fanning. Fans have speculated that her character may be a synth, especially given the Weyland-Yutani logo visible in her eye in some promotional material. This potential link to the *Alien* universe has sparked intense fan theories, though Trachtenberg remains coy on the matter.

Trachtenberg revealed that the dynamic between Dek and Fanning’s character was inspired by the critically acclaimed PlayStation 2 title *Shadow of the Colossus*. The game’s unique relationship between its protagonist and the colossal beings he confronts served as a creative touchstone for the bond forming between Dek and his companion.

“As inspired as I am by movies, I’ve been very inspired by video games like *Shadow of the Colossus*, where you have a protagonist paired with someone else who provides color and connection,” Trachtenberg explained. “There’s a thing with a horse in *Shadow of the Colossus* that’s devastating when you play the game. So *[Predator: Badlands]* was a little bit inspired by that in terms of wanting to see the Predator with someone else—this character who’s the opposite of him. He’s very laconic; [Fanning] is not. She’s capable in ways that he is not. Physically, she has something truly unique that I’m so excited for audiences to witness. But I’d rather let it speak for itself eventually.”

When pressed about the *Alien* references and the true nature of Fanning’s character, Trachtenberg remained cryptic but enthusiastic. “There’s a unique hook to her character that makes the pairing with Dek really exciting,” he teased.

Fans won’t have to wait too long to see Dek’s story unfold on the big screen. *Predator: Badlands* is scheduled for release on November 7, 2025. Prior to that, audiences can dive deeper into the Predator universe with the animated anthology series *Predator: Killer of Killers*, set to debut in June 2025.