Ahead of Season 5, Stranger Things Had a Crossover With Predator: Badlands

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Okay, so if you’ve been counting down the days for the next season of that big Netflix show, and you recently watched Predator: Badlands, you might have recognized a voice or two. Turns out, the creators of the Netflix hit, Matt and Ross Duffer, actually did some voice work on the Yautja ship in Dan Trachtenberg’s film! It’s a fun little Easter egg for fans, and a cool behind-the-scenes detail I picked up on.

Trachtenberg explained how the Duffer Brothers, creators of Stranger Things, ended up with a cameo in his film. He realized the possibility while both projects were simultaneously in post-production at the same sound stages, even sharing some of the same sound mixers. While working on the sound for the Yautja ship, Trachtenberg jokingly wondered if he could ask the Duffers to do the voice work, thinking it would be a fun and unexpected addition.

The Duffer brothers aimed to create a unique digital voice, which involved combining and manipulating recordings of their own voices using computer technology. However, the process wasn’t as simple as just reading a script. According to the filmmaker, they first had to familiarize themselves with each other before working together on the science fiction project.

I wrote the word ‘N, G, I, L, A’ on a piece of paper and gave it to him, hoping it would give him a hint about the Yautja language,” Tratchenberg explained about developing the creature’s unique voice. “He had to pick it up fast.

Tratchenberg and The Duffers Had Previously Planned Another Sci-Fi Crossover

This isn’t the first time actor Richard Tratchenberg, known for his work in Predator and sci-fi films like 10 Cloverfield Lane and Prey, has discussed a potential collaboration with the creators of Stranger Things. He was initially slated to work on the show’s final season, but scheduling issues caused by the recent strikes prevented him from doing so. According to Tratchenberg, the episode he was meant to be involved with was going to be particularly ambitious.

“I’m thrilled!” Tratchenberg exclaimed shortly after it was revealed he’d be joining the show in 2023. “I’m doing it because I’m a huge fan. I honestly think each season has been better than the last.”

Director Daniel Tratchenberg, known for his work on shows like The Boys and Black Mirror, praised the Duffer brothers, calling them “really good dudes.” He then hinted at the epic scope of his upcoming Stranger Things episode, and of Season 5 as a whole. Tratchenberg described his episode as containing “several awesome set pieces” and emphasized that the season is going to be massive and is shaping up very well so far.

The new movie, Predator: Badlands, is now playing in cinemas. The first part of Stranger Things Season 5 will be available on Netflix starting November 26th.

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2025-11-10 21:38