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Why The New Predator in Badlands Looks More Human Than Ever

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In Dan Trachtenberg’s addition to the Predator series, known as Predator: Badlands, we meet a brand-new Predator, sporting an appearance never before seen among the Yautja. The first glimpse of this upcoming installment in the iconic sci-fi horror franchise offers a fresh, distant setting compared to Trachtenberg’s previous hit movie, Prey within the Predator universe. Starring Elle Fanning, Predator: Badlands serves as an independent film within the franchise’s timeline and promises to broaden its mythology, taking place several centuries into the future.

As a die-hard fan, I’ve always admired the unique take on the iconic creature design in the Predator franchise, with its towering figure, armored body, multiple-jawed mouth, and fiery temperament. But from the trailer of Predator: Badlands, it seems that Trachtenberg and the team are introducing a fresh addition to this species, one whose appearance sets it apart from previous versions. It’s not just an exciting, imaginative redesign; this new Predator’s look serves a specific narrative purpose.

The Predator’s New Look In Predator: Badlands Explained

He Looks Much More Human

In a striking departure from traditional Predator aesthetics, this latest model exhibits features remarkably close to human likeness. Given his identification as a younger Yautja member, he sports a leaner physique compared to many of his counterparts in the film series, and his skull characteristics are less pronounced. Despite wearing armor, it seems less advanced than that worn by seasoned Predators, thereby accentuating his less-defined musculature.

Just like him, his dreadlocks are unique for a Predator of his age. While they’re not as expansive as those seen on older specimens, he can still tie them back, offering a clearer view of his expressive face. His eye sockets are notably more open than past Predators, contributing to a less hidden appearance. With fewer extreme facial and bodily characteristics compared to other Predators, this particular Predator in Predator: Badlands seems to embody a more human-like form, which significantly contributes to his character portrayal.

The Predator’s More Humanoid Look Makes Sense For Predator: Badlands

Departing From The Traditional Look Makes Sense For The Plot

It’s apparent that the Predator’s more human-like appearance is intended to help the audience connect with him better. Unlike previous portrayals such as in “Alien vs. Predator,” where the Predator was either a circumstantial ally or antagonist, this time, the audience might find themselves supporting the Predator as the main character. Although the full storyline remains unclear from what’s been shared so far, it seems that in “Badlands,” the Predator is an outcast embarking on his first hunt, and the outcome of this hunt could impact his standing within the Yautja society.

In the movie, Elle Fanning’s character is revealed as a Weyland-Yutani android rather than a human, which means she might be our young Predator. To help viewers distinguish this new character from the traditional fearsome and muscular Predator, the filmmakers have opted to change his appearance. This technique is often used in storytelling to make audiences empathize with the hero, regardless of genre. By making the Predator look human-like, they’ve made it easier for viewers to project themselves onto this character.

Predator: Badlands Is Already Different From All Previous Predator Movies

The Predator Is A Protagonist, And A True Underdog

In “Predator: Badlands,” the Predator character deviates from the traditional franchise norm as he’s not a seasoned, ruthless hunter. Instead of pursuing humans as his usual prey, this new Predator seems to be tracking a much deadlier creature, aiming to make an impression on his inaugural hunt. Unlike the typical stealthy, unflappable harbinger of death associated with the Predator, viewers will encounter a less confident and less skilled hunter, making it easier for audiences to empathize with him.

All Predator Franchise Movies
Movie Release Date RT Tomatometer Score RT Popcornmeter Score
Predator 1987 80% 87%
Predator 2 1990 30% 44%
Alien vs. Predator 2004 22% 39%
Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem 2007 12% 30%
Predators 2010 65% 52%
The Predator 2018 34% 32%
Prey 2022 94% 74%
Predator: Badlands 2025 N/A N/A
Prey 2 TBD N/A N/A

Breaking away from convention might annoy some passionate fans of the Predator franchise who prefer the traditional approach, but I’m eager to see Trachtenberg experimenting with fresh ideas. It’s worth noting that the Predator series has seen several subpar sequels that adhered to the conventional formula. However, the unconventional chapter, Prey, breathed new life into the Predator character and the franchise as a whole. Bold moves like the young, raw hunter at the heart of Predator: Badlands could potentially take the franchise to new heights.

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2025-04-24 04:11

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