Revitalizing the Predator Franchise: A New Era of Sci-Fi Storytelling
The theatrical release of Predator: Badlands marks a significant milestone in the Predator franchise, as director Dan Trachtenberg delivers another outstanding addition to the series. Following the success of his previous film, Prey, which sent fans back in time, Predator: Badlands propels them into the future and onto a distant, hostile planet. This bold premise has allowed the filmmakers to showcase their creativity, introducing a variety of deadly alien creatures that make for the most thrilling Predator film to date.
The Predator franchise, which debuted in 1987, initially presented a hyper-masculine action film centered around a group of war veterans battling the titular alien in the Central American jungle. Beneath its action-packed surface, the original Predator film explored themes of survival, colonialism, and the horrors of the Vietnam War. However, as the franchise evolved, it became clear that audiences were seeking fresher, more diverse stories.
After the 2018 film The Predator received lackluster reviews, the franchise’s future seemed uncertain. Fortunately, Dan Trachtenberg, known for his work on 10 Cloverfield Lane, breathed new life into the series with Prey. Now, with the release of Predator: Badlands, it’s evident that Trachtenberg and his team have successfully reinvigorated the franchise.
Breaking New Ground with Prey
Set in 1719, Prey took the original Predator film’s themes of survival and colonialism and embedded them in a compelling new narrative. The story follows Naru (Amber Midthunder), a Comanche woman who seeks to prove herself as a hunter, while facing the threat of the Predator and French voyageurs on her people’s native land. The film’s decision to feature an Indigenous woman as the protagonist was a significant departure from traditional Hollywood blockbusters.
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Prey’s authentic portrayal of Comanche life and culture in the 18th century, including dialogue spoken in the Comanche language, added to the film’s groundbreaking nature. The movie’s success can be attributed to its fresh perspective, which explored the impact of violent strangers on Indigenous people and their land.
A New Frontier: Predator: Badlands
Predator: Badlands takes a unique approach by making a Predator, Dek (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi), one of the protagonists. This bold move allows the film to delve into the Predators’ society and culture, revealing their values, traditions, and emotions. The story follows Dek, a “runt” Predator, as he embarks on a rite of passage, hunting the dreaded Kalisk on the hostile planet Genna.
20th Century Studios / 20th Century Studios
Predator: Badlands expands on the franchise’s theme of survival and identity, introducing a found family story that explores the bonds between Dek, Thia (Elle Fanning), and the alien Bud (Rohinal Nayaran). The film’s thrilling action sequences, combined with its thought-provoking themes, make it a must-see for fans of the franchise.
With the success of Prey and Predator: Badlands, Dan Trachtenberg has proven himself to be a skilled and visionary director, capable of reinvigorating a beloved franchise. As the Predator series continues to evolve, fans can look forward to more exciting and thought-provoking stories. For more information on Predator: Badlands, visit Here
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