Director Dan Trachtenberg has revealed that the upcoming film "Predator: Badlands" draws inspiration from the iconic scene in "Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back" where Chewbacca carries C-3PO. In "Predator: Badlands," Elle Fanning’s character, Thia, a Weyland-Yutani synth, is carried by a young Predator named Dek after being cut in half. This unusual alliance is central to the film’s plot, which involves the pair in pursuit of an unbeatable creature. Trachtenberg confirmed that this concept of a character being carried was directly influenced by the Star Wars scene, and he also cited inspirations from various video games such as "Shadow of the Colossus," "Half-Life 2," "Uncharted," and "God of War." "Predator: Badlands" is set to release in theaters on November 7, 2025, and fans are eager to see the connections to the "Alien" franchise take shape.
What are the key inspirations behind Predator: Badlands?The key inspirations behind "Predator: Badlands" include the iconic scene from "Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back," as well as elements from video games like "Shadow of the Colossus," "Half-Life 2," "Uncharted," and "God of War." These influences shape the film's companion mechanic and storyline.
"Predator: Badlands" continues the legacy of the "Predator" franchise, which began with the classic 1987 film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. The series has evolved over the years, exploring various thematic angles, including technology and survival. The integration of a Weyland-Yutani synth ties in the rich lore of both the "Predator" and "Alien" franchises, promising exciting crossovers for fans of sci-fi action. This new film seeks to blend horror and adventure, showcasing the relentless pursuit of an apex predator by intertwining human and alien stories.
Samira Khan
Samira Khan is a narrative enthusiast with a keen eye for storytelling in games. Her literary approach to game criticism examines themes, character development, and plot structure, earning her a following among gamers who appreciate the art of narrating.
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A Predator carrying a synth like a backpack is such a ridiculous yet genius visual—honestly, it’s the kind of bold, weird energy this franchise needs. Mixing in gaming influences like *God of War* and *Half-Life 2* just makes me hope we get some epic action sequences to match the hype.
Love how 'Predator: Badlands' is blending classic sci-fi nostalgia with modern gaming vibes—feels like a love letter to both film and gamers. The idea of a Predator carrying a synth like Chewie and 3PO is such a fun twist on an iconic moment.
Trachtenberg pulling inspiration from 'Shadow of the Colossus' and 'Half-Life 2' makes me even more hyped—this could be the most cinematic Predator movie yet. Also, a Weyland-Yutani synth teaming up with a Predator That’s some next-level universe-crossing.
Honestly, mixing 'Empire Strikes Back' with 'God of War' energy for a Predator film is a wild combo, but it might just work. Can’t wait to see how Dek and Thia’s dynamic plays out against an unbeatable creature.
Between the 'Alien' franchise ties and video game influences, 'Badlands' feels like it's aiming to be the ultimate nerd-culture mashup. Here’s hoping it delivers on that ambitious premise.
Calling it now—Dek carrying Thia is gonna be the new 'chestburster' moment in terms of iconic sci-fi imagery. Also, props for name-dropping 'Uncharted' as an inspiration; that’s not something I expected.
Trachtenberg’s approach of blending horror, adventure, and gaming mechanics could make 'Badlands' the most unique Predator film since the original. Fingers crossed the execution lives up to the hype.
The fact that this film is drawing from 'Half-Life 2' and 'Empire Strikes Back' in equal measure has me ridiculously curious. Also, Elle Fanning as a synth Sold.
Predator meets 'Shadow of the Colossus' is a pitch I didn’t know I needed until now. If the tone lands right, this could be something really special for both movie and gaming fans.
After 'Prey,' Trachtenberg’s got my full trust with the Predator franchise—mixing in 'God of War' and 'Uncharted' vibes just seals the deal. November 2025 can’t come soon enough.
Between the 'Alien' connections and gaming homages, 'Badlands' feels like it’s playing right to my interests. Now we just need a 'Predator vs. Xenomorph' tease in the post-credits.
An unbeatable creature, a synth-Predator duo, and 'Empire' references This is either gonna be a masterpiece or a glorious mess—either way, I’m here for it.
Trachtenberg’s pulling from 'Half-Life 2' and 'Uncharted' tells me this might have some killer set pieces. Also, a Predator named Dek That’s weirdly adorable for a killing machine.
Love that the 'carried character' trope is getting a fresh spin with Thia and Dek—feels like a perfect blend of homage and innovation. Now give me that 'Alien' crossover breadcrumb, please.
Between the 'Empire' callback and the gaming influences, 'Badlands' is shaping up to be a love letter to geek culture. Just hope the story holds up under all that ambition.
Predator carrying a synth like a backpack is the kind of ridiculous-yet-awesome imagery this franchise thrives on. Add in 'God of War' inspiration, and I’m all in.
Trachtenberg’s clearly a gamer at heart, and that makes me even more excited for 'Badlands.' Now if we could just get a 'Predator' Soulslike game to go with it...
Elle Fanning as a Weyland-Yutani synth is inspired casting, and the 'Shadow of the Colossus' vibes have me intrigued. Here’s hoping the film balances horror and adventure as well as 'Prey' did.
An 'unbeatable creature' chase with 'Half-Life 2' and 'Uncharted' energy That’s a killer pitch. Now let’s see if the execution lives up to the potential.
Predator: Badlands' feels like it’s mashing up every cool thing from sci-fi and gaming—if it sticks the landing, this could be an instant classic. Also, Dek better get some meme-worthy moments.
Between the 'Alien' ties and gaming references, 'Badlands' is basically targeting my exact interests. Now just give me a pulse rifle easter egg and I’m set.
Trachtenberg’s mix of 'Empire' nostalgia and 'God of War' scale has me hyped. Also, a Predator with a name That’s weirdly charming for a franchise about alien hunters.
After 'Prey,' I’m fully onboard with Trachtenberg’s vision for the Predator franchise. The 'Shadow of the Colossus' inspiration just adds to the hype—this could be something truly unique.
A synth and a Predator teaming up feels like the kind of wild left turn this franchise needs. Plus, 'Half-Life 2' as an influence Gordon Freeman would approve.
Predator: Badlands' sounds like it’s throwing everything at the wall—'Empire,' 'God of War,' 'Alien' lore—and I’m here to see what sticks. Could be a glorious mess or a new high point.
Trachtenberg’s gaming influences are showing, and I’m totally here for it. Now if we could just get a 'Predator' metroidvania to go with the movie...
The idea of a Predator carrying a synth like Chewie and 3PO is equal parts hilarious and awesome. Also, 'Uncharted' as an inspiration That’s a deep cut I didn’t see coming.
Between the 'Alien' connections and the gaming homages, 'Badlands' feels like it’s tailor-made for my inner nerd. Now let’s see if it can balance all those elements smoothly.
An 'unbeatable creature' chase with 'God of War' and 'Half-Life 2' vibes That’s the kind of ambitious swing I love to see. Fingers crossed it pays off.
Trachtenberg’s clearly having fun mixing film and gaming influences, and that passion could make 'Badlands' something special. Also, Dek might be the first Predator I’d wanna hang out with.
Predator: Badlands' feels like it’s taking the franchise in a bold new direction, and the gaming nods are a great touch. Now let’s see if it can nail the tone like 'Prey' did.
Between the synth-Predator duo and the 'Empire' reference, 'Badlands' is already standing out. Here’s hoping the execution matches the creativity of the premise.
Trachtenberg’s love for gaming and sci-fi is all over this, and that’s exactly why I’m excited. Now give me a 'Predator' boss fight worthy of 'Shadow of the Colossus.'
A Predator named Dek carrying a synth is the kind of weird, fresh take this franchise needs. Also, 'Half-Life 2' as an influence Now I’m imagining a gravity gun vs. Predator tech showdown.
Predator: Badlands' sounds like it’s blending horror, adventure, and gaming mechanics in a way that could redefine the franchise. Here’s hoping it lives up to the potential.
Trachtenberg’s pulling from 'Uncharted' and 'God of War' tells me this’ll have some killer action set pieces. Also, Elle Fanning as a synth Perfect casting.
After 'Prey,' I’m fully onboard with Trachtenberg’s Predator vision. The 'Shadow of the Colossus' inspiration just adds to the hype—this could be something truly special.
Predator: Badlands' feels like it’s mashing up every cool thing from sci-fi and gaming—if it works, this could be an instant classic. Also, Dek better get some meme-worthy moments.
Between the 'Alien' ties and gaming references, 'Badlands' is basically targeting my exact interests. Now just give me a pulse rifle easter egg and I’m set.
Trachtenberg’s mix of 'Empire' nostalgia and 'God of War' scale has me hyped. Also, a Predator with a name That’s weirdly charming for a franchise about alien hunters.
After 'Prey,' I’m fully onboard with Trachtenberg’s vision for the Predator franchise. The 'Shadow of the Colossus' inspiration just adds to the hype—this could be something truly unique.
A synth and a Predator teaming up feels like the kind of wild left turn this franchise needs. Plus, 'Half-Life 2' as an influence Gordon Freeman would approve.
Predator: Badlands' sounds like it’s throwing everything at the wall—'Empire,' 'God of War,' 'Alien' lore—and I’m here to see what sticks. Could be a glorious mess or a new high point.
Trachtenberg’s gaming influences are showing, and I’m totally here for it. Now if we could just get a 'Predator' metroidvania to go with the movie...
The idea of a Predator carrying a synth like Chewie