URGENT UPDATE: New insights from director Dan Trachtenberg reveal that the recently released film Predator: Badlands almost had significant connections to the beloved Predator and Alien franchises. This news has fans buzzing as the film is now available for streaming on Disney+ and Hulu.
In a recent interview, Trachtenberg disclosed that the film originally featured cameos from iconic characters, including Naru, the protagonist from the previous installment, Prey. Fans may have caught a glimpse of Naru during an early scene where another character, Dek, scrolls through holograms of potential prey while aboard his brother Kwei’s ship. The appearance of Naru, a Comanche warrior known for defeating a Yautja in 1719, raises tantalizing questions about her fate: Is she still alive, and could she be hunted again?
Trachtenberg stated that early drafts of the film included holograms of other legendary characters. As he explained to Screenrant, “You passed a xenomorph [from Alien], you pass by Dutch [from Predator] and Naru. Also, the creature after it was the Back Biter creature from [the end of] Killer of Killers.” These references were intended as a nod to the franchise’s rich history.
However, as production progressed, the scene was modified, leading to the removal of these characters. Trachtenberg noted, “We really wanted to nod to our favorite characters that the Predators have fought against,” but ultimately decided that the focus needed to remain on the current narrative. He explained that the dialogue between Dek and Kwei was shortened, leading to fewer holograms in the background, which may have diluted the film’s central story.
Fans are divided on whether these connections would have enhanced the film or distracted from its core themes. While some viewers relish the idea of a more interconnected universe, others appreciate the standalone nature of Badlands, which is set hundreds, if not thousands, of years in the future.
As the film continues to attract attention, audiences are encouraged to share their thoughts. What do you think about the potential for deeper connections within the Predator universe?
Predator: Badlands is now available on 4K, Blu-ray, DVD, and streaming platforms like Disney+ and Hulu. Don’t miss your chance to catch the latest installment of this iconic franchise!
