‘Predator: Badlands’ Initially Planned as WWII Story with Predator Fighting Nazis, Director Says
Director Dan Trachtenberg has revealed that Predator: Badlands almost had a very different story before it became the film audiences will see in theaters.
In an interview with The Direct, he explained that the original idea involved a Predator fighting Nazis during World War II.
“The very first nugget of the idea was, what if the Predator wins,” Trachtenberg said. “I didn’t want it to be a slasher movie where the slasher wins.” He imagined the Predator in a WWII setting, “kicking Nazi b****,” before changing the story to focus on the Predator as the hero of his own journey with “his own adventure.”
Trachtenberg also discussed the creature’s design. Some early concepts, he said, went too far. He credited costume designer Ngila Dickson, an Oscar winner for The Lord of the Rings, for shaping the final look. “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,” he explained.
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.” She noted that Thia’s empathy and individuality stand out compared to her sister’s more scientific personality. “It’s literally a monster and a robot, but it’s a very human story,” Fanning said.
Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, who plays Dek, commented on the unique premise of the film. “Having a Predator be the underdog is such a crazy premise,” he said, explaining that his character is “the runt of his family on a mission of redemption.”
Predator: Badlands is scheduled to release in theaters on November 7, 2025, promising a fresh take on the iconic creature with a mix of action and character-driven storytelling.
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