Predator: Badlands director Dan Trachtenberg reveals a major franchise first: making the Predator the protagonist. His previous film, Prey (2016), was a hit. In Badlands, Elle Fanning leads the cast, and details are under wraps except that it’s set in the future.
Trachtenberg says the change was to push boundaries like Prey did, by having audiences root for an unusual hero, the Predator. The creature will have an emotional side while remaining badass. Fanning will play multiple characters, facing various challenges.
A first-look image shows Trachtenberg on set with the Predator’s head visible. With the Predator as the lead, it’ll shift the point-of-view from previous installments. Fanning’s characters could have an uneasy truce with the Predator.
Trachtenberg has a good track record. While the Alien vs. Predator spinoffs give some idea of what to expect, creating an emotional attachment to the Predator without losing intimidation will be a challenge he seems well-suited to handle.
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