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Dan Trachtenberg’s ‘PREDATOR: BADLANDS’ AMA: Key Revelations
Director Dan Trachtenberg (10 Cloverfield Lane, Prey) surprised fans with a Reddit AMA ahead of PREDATOR: BADLANDS’ theatrical release this Friday (November 7). The session unlocked exclusive details about the film’s dystopian setting, cast, and heart-pounding action—here’s what we learned.
1. A Gritty New Chapter in the Predator Saga
Trachtenberg confirmed BADLANDS takes the franchise to a dystopian future where Earth is ravaged by an unnamed catastrophe. “Survival isn’t just about the Predator—it’s about the world itself,” he said, emphasizing practical effects to keep the terror visceral.
2. Meet the Cast: Kiki Layne Leads a Stellar Team
- Kiki Layne (The Old Guard) plays a “reluctant leader” with sharp survival instincts.
- Cole Hauser (Yellowstone) and Stephanie Hsu (EEAAO) fill mysterious roles, with Trachtenberg teasing “shifting alliances.”
3. Nods to the Original & Next-Level Action
- Classic elements return (thermal vision, cloaking) alongside new Predator tech.
- A single-take fight scene took months to perfect.
- Violence level? “We dialed it up from Prey,” he promised.
4. Why Theaters Matter
Trachtenberg urged fans to experience BADLANDS on the big screen: “The sound design and scale demand it.” IMAX screenings are likely, calling it “the ultimate way to witness the hunt.”
5. Hidden Gems & Fan Service
- Easter eggs reference Predator 2 and Prey, including a returning weapon.
- A playful update to the iconic handshake meme (“fist bump incoming”).
Final Verdict: A Must-See for Franchise Fans
Trachtenberg’s take blends nostalgia with fresh chaos: “It’s a love letter, but also its own beast.” Early buzz suggests BADLANDS could be 2024’s standout action thriller.
Will you see PREDATOR: BADLANDS opening weekend?
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