‘Predator: Badlands’ Trailer Teases Elle Fanning Forming an Unlikely Alliance in Sci-Fi Thriller

Elle Fanning is breaking into the sci-fi spotlight with ‘Predator: Badlands’, the next chapter in the famous ‘Predator’ saga.

 The first teaser trailer from 20th Century Studios gives fans a sneak peek at the series’ daring new direction.  For the first time, ‘Predator’ assumes a prominent, nearly heroic role as a young Predator named Dek, portrayed by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, embarks on an enigmatic quest by himself.

 The plot, which is set on a far-off planet in the future, centres on Dek’s collaboration with Fanning’s character Thia, a robot.  As they set out on a perilous quest to find a powerful foe, Thia and Dek establish an unexpected but captivating team.  Their partnership is expected to upend fans’ preconceived notions about the Predator universe.

Image Courtesy: YouTube

‘Badlands’, the ninth instalment in the ‘Predator’ trilogy, was co-written and directed by Patrick Aison and Dan Trachtenberg, the same team that worked on 2022’s ‘Prey’.  Dek adds unexpected emotional depth to the role while retaining the characteristic ‘Predator’ ferocity, according to Trachtenberg’s earlier description of the character.  This is Schuster-Koloamatangi’s big break after roles in ‘The Panthers’, ‘Far North’, and ‘Red, White & Brass’.

At CinemaCon, Fanning expressed her enthusiasm for the project and her admiration for Trachtenberg’s vision.  She commended his innovative strategy for boldly and creatively growing the franchise.  The part marks a significant shift for Fanning from her previous roles because she isn’t fleeing peril this time.  Rather, her persona becomes companions with the Predator himself, revealing a whole new side of the extraterrestrial hunter.

 On 7th November, ‘Predator: Badlands’ will be released in theatres.

–Farheen Ali