In a Hall H presentation that will go down in Comic-Con history, director Dan Trachtenberg delivered two major surprises for Predator fans—first unveiling an alternate ending to Predator: Killer of Killers featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny Glover, then screening the first 15 minutes of his radical new film Predator: Badlands. The crowd erupted as the footage revealed Dutch (Schwarzenegger) and Lt. Harrigan (Glover) frozen alongside Prey’s Naru (Amber Midthunder) in the Predators’ trophy collection. “We can now continue to cook up things that may be in store for that guy,” Trachtenberg teased about Dutch’s future, confirming the extended cut would hit Hulu that night.
The panel then shifted focus to Badlands, Trachtenberg’s bold reimagining that positions a young Predator named Dek (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi) as the protagonist—a franchise first. Joined by Elle Fanning as android companion Thia and effects legend Alec Gillis, the director explained his Star Wars-inspired vision: “It’s Chewbacca and C-3PO, but the Wookiee is a bloodthirsty Predator.” Fanning revealed the grueling physicality of filming, with her character literally strapped to Schuster-Koloamatangi’s back for most production—until she devised a clever solution. “Elle figured out we could just walk backwards and sell the illusion,” Trachtenberg laughed, as the actor rubbed his shoulders in mock pain.
The unfinished footage showcased Dek’s brutal coming-of-age ritual on an alien planet, blending practical Predator effects with stunning alien landscapes. Trachtenberg also confirmed subtle Alien franchise connections through Weyland-Yutani references, though he cautioned against expecting a simple crossover: “There’s a seduction to smush action figures together, but we’re being more elegant.” The panel closed with 6,500 fans donning Yautja masks for a massive selfie—proof that after nearly 40 years, the Predator’s hunt continues to evolve in thrilling new directions. Predator: Badlands hits theaters November 7.
The Pop Blog general news and updates, mostly from press releases and conferences.