Dan Trachtenberg Reveals PREDATOR: BADLANDS in r/movies AMA
Filmmaker Dan Trachtenberg (Prey, 10 Cloverfield Lane) shocked fans during a Reddit AMA by confirming PREDATOR: BADLANDS, his next sci-fi horror film starring Elle Fanning, hits theaters this Friday (November 7). The director teased a gritty survival thriller that expands the Predator universe—here’s the breakdown.
Trachtenberg’s Bold New Direction for Predator
Known for reinventing the franchise with Prey (2022), Trachtenberg calls BADLANDS a “love letter to the original with a savage new twist.” Set in a dystopian wasteland, Fanning plays a resourceful survivor hunted by the galaxy’s deadliest predator.
Trachtenberg’s AMA quote:
“This isn’t just about outsmarting the Predator—it’s about outlasting it in a world that’s already ended. Think Fury Road meets The Revenant… with a sci-fi horror edge.”
Why Elle Fanning’s Casting Breaks the Mold
Fanning (The Great, Neon Demon) steps into the franchise’s typically hyper-masculine world as a “post-apocalyptic samurai.” Trachtenberg praised her “quiet intensity,” hinting her role may connect to Prey’s Comanche warrior or KILLER OF KILLERS’ high-tech assassins.
Gritty Practical Effects & R-Rated Action
Fans of Prey’s visceral combat will love BADLANDS:
– Minimal CGI: Real locations and practical effects amp up the realism.
– Confirmed R-rating: “If you thought Prey was gnarly…” — Trachtenberg.
– Setting: A sun-scorched ruined city (debunking early “snowbound” rumors).
Franchise Connections & Hidden Clues
Trachtenberg hinted at ties to PREDATOR: KILLER OF KILLERS but stayed vague:
“The Predators aren’t just hunting—they’re studying us. Events here ripple across time.”
This fuels fan theories about humanity being “graded” for a larger alien war.
Theater-Exclusive Release Strategy
No streaming—BADLANDS is only in theaters November 7. Trachtenberg insists:
“The sound design alone demands the big screen. You’ll feel every roar.”
AMA Highlights: Burning Fan Questions
- Arnold Schwarzenegger return? “No comment :)”
- Prey Easter eggs? “Watch the weapons closely.”
- Sequel plans? “Let’s survive this one first!”
Final Take: A Must-See Horror-Thriller
With Trachtenberg’s visionary direction and Fanning’s star power, BADLANDS could be the franchise’s boldest chapter yet. Will you brave the theater this Friday?
Drop your predictions in the comments!
