Imagine a world where the fearsome Predator isn't the villain stalking humans, but the unlikely hero battling Nazis during World War II – talk about a twist that could redefine the entire franchise! If you're a fan of the Predator series, you're going to love hearing how close we came to seeing something like that on the big screen.
Horror enthusiasts are buzzing about the latest from the Predator universe. Just last Friday, Predator: Badlands, the thrilling third installment directed by Dan Trachtenberg – the same visionary behind Prey and Predator: Killer of Killers – hit theaters and shattered records. It raked in a whopping $40 million during its opening weekend at the U.S. box office, setting a new high for the franchise (check out more details here: https://www.joblo.com/weekend-box-office-predator-badlands-sets-a-franchise-record/). No wonder the folks at 20th Century Studios are thrilled; they've basically given Trachtenberg free rein to explore this iconic alien hunter in fresh ways. His bold vision for Badlands flips the script entirely: the Predator takes center stage as the protagonist, paired with a quirky, battle-worn synthetic companion named Thia, whom he carries on his back while navigating the perils of a hostile alien world. For newcomers to sci-fi action flicks, this setup means we're rooting for the monster for once, turning traditional predator-prey dynamics on their head in a way that's both exhilarating and unexpected.
But here's where it gets really intriguing – and maybe a bit controversial. In recent interviews, Trachtenberg spilled the beans on how the movie's concept started out wildly different. Early brainstorming sessions toyed with ideas that could have transported the Predator straight into the chaos of World War II, or even reunited him with Prey's brave lead, Naru. According to Trachtenberg in a chat with The Direct (https://thedirect.com/article/predator-badlands-director-reveals-his-world-war-ii-predator-movie-idea-that-needs-to-happen), the spark came from a simple question: 'What if the Predator actually wins?' He explained, 'I didn't want another typical slasher flick where the killer comes out on top without us caring. Instead, I aimed to make audiences cheer for this creature, get invested in its side of the story.' That led to thoughts of placing the Predator in WWII, perhaps taking down Nazi forces in epic, over-the-top battles – imagine the Predator's advanced tech clashing with historical warfare, like plasma cannons versus tanks. But Trachtenberg quickly realized that, while fun, it might not feel innovative enough for a fresh take on the series. So, the concept shifted: 'What if we make the Predator the true star of his own epic tale, on a personal quest that's all about him?' This evolution landed us on an entirely alien planet, free of human characters... well, almost. For beginners wondering about world-building in sci-fi, this means creating a self-contained story that dives deep into the Predator's culture and motivations, without relying on familiar Earth settings to carry the plot.
And this is the part most people miss: Trachtenberg did flirt with bringing back Naru, the resourceful Comanche warrior from Prey who stole hearts with her ingenuity and courage. In an interview with Screen Time (https://x.com/screentime/status/1985383972222738869), he shared, 'I considered teaming the Predator with Naru before settling on Thia, but that would've undermined the core idea of a human-free adventure where the Predator stands alone as the hero.' He stuck to his guns on the no-humans premise to keep the focus sharp, but hinted at exciting possibilities ahead: 'Down the road, we could explore even bigger ideas, perhaps involving her in future stories.' It's like he's planting seeds for a larger Predator universe, where crossovers might happen organically, building on the lore without forcing it.
This isn't the first time Trachtenberg has dreamed up Naru joining forces with a Predator. Back when Prey first roared into theaters, he revealed to AVP Galaxy (https://www.avpgalaxy.net/website/interviews/dan-trachtenberg/) that one of his initial pitches for that film involved Naru and a youthful Predator reluctantly allying against the ruthless fur trappers – those same antagonists who end up outmatched by both, even without direct teamwork. For those new to the franchise, Prey is set in the 1700s and showcases Naru's growth from novice to survivor, so imagining her with a Predator pup adds a layer of mentorship and unlikely friendship that's ripe for exploration.
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Now, let's stir the pot a bit – what if a WWII Predator movie actually happened? Some fans might argue it glorifies violence in a sensitive historical context, while others see it as a clever homage to classic war films like Inglourious Basterds. Would that dilute the Predator's alien mystique, or elevate it by blending eras? And pairing Naru with the Predator – is that a dream team-up or does it risk overshadowing her independence? I'd love to hear your hot takes: Would you watch a Predator flick set in World War II, or one where he buddies up with Naru? Drop your thoughts in the comments below and let's debate!
About the Author
Horror News Editor
Favorite Movies: The entire Friday the 13th series, all of Kevin Smith's quirky gems, George A. Romero's groundbreaking Dead trilogy and beyond, the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre plus its sequel, cult classics like FleshEater and Intruder, the poignant Let the Right One In, zombie romp Return of the Living Dead, Sam Raimi's The Evil Dead, the tense Jaws, fun-loving Tremors, Tarantino's From Dusk Till Dawn, eerie Phantasm, iconic Halloween, disturbing The Hills Have Eyes, the adventurous Back to the Future trilogy, laid-back Dazed and Confused, sleek James Bond adventures, high-stakes Mission: Impossible, and the ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe – honestly, the favorites just keep coming!
Likes: Diving into movies of all kinds, especially horror and those nostalgic '80s slashers, tuning into podcasts for deep dives, spending time with animals, hitting the road for travel, soaking up Brazilian culture (the country, that is), attending the awesome Cinema Wasteland convention, blasting classic rock (shoutout to Led Zeppelin), geeking out over Kevin Smith and George A. Romero, admiring Quentin Tarantino's style, the Coen brothers' wit, Richard Linklater's introspection, Paul Thomas Anderson's depth, Stephen King's chilling tales, Elmore Leonard's gritty crime stories, suave James Bond, action-hero Tom Cruise, Marvel comics lore, and the raw energy of the grindhouse and drive-in theater days.
