Is Dek the Fresh Hero Predator Needs for Badlands?

The buzz around the upcoming film Predator: Badlands is palpable, reigniting our fascination with the Predator franchise. Directed by Dan Trachtenberg, the movie is set to introduce a fresh perspective with its main character, Dek, portrayed by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi. Unlike previous installments that primarily focused on human protagonists, Badlands ventures into uncharted territory with its outcast Yautja hero, mirroring an intriguing blend of classic cinematic figures—a bold move for the franchise.

In a recent interview with Empire, Trachtenberg shared his vision for Dek, emphasizing a kinship to iconic characters like Conan the Barbarian and Mad Max, rather than the franchise’s famed hero, Dutch, played by Arnold Schwarzenegger. Despite being described as the “runt of the litter,” Dek’s character showcases a blunt and straightforward demeanor. Trachtenberg captured this perfectly, stating, “He’s a thing of few words, pretty blunt. He cuts straight to the point. Literally and figuratively.” The introduction of such a character promises to add depth to the narrative and a refreshingly different dynamic.

What This Means For Predator: Badlands

Dek Could Be A New Kind Of Franchise Hero

Schwarzenegger’s legacy includes several iconic roles, none more notable than in Conan the Barbarian (1982), which marked his rise to fame. In contrast to Dek, Conan is the archetypal hero—it’s hard to view him as a “runt.” With sword in hand, he embarks on epic quests, reminiscent of the straightforward problem-solving often employed by Mad Max, a character defined by his action-oriented approach. Both figures possess the kind of visceral appeal that could shape Dek into a memorable protagonist for a new generation.

What sets Dek apart is his partnership with an android named Thia, played by Elle Fanning. Their dynamic has the potential to unravel interesting conflicts and collaborative moments, emphasizing the stark differences in their backgrounds. As a Weyland-Yutani android, Thia not only represents cutting-edge technology but also ties Predator: Badlands into the rich lore of the Alien franchise, hinting at complex themes and connections that could mesh well with broader science fiction narratives.

Our Take On Dek Being Similar To Conan

Badland’s Protagonist Could Be Another Breath Of Fresh Air

Trachtenberg has already proven his capability in revitalizing the franchise with Prey, drawing audiences back with a fresh narrative and compelling character in Naru, played by Amber Midthunder. The challenge of introducing a Yautja protagonist may seem risky, but it also opens doors for innovative storytelling. Dek’s characterization as akin to Conan and Mad Max places him in excellent company, amplifying the excitement surrounding him.

As anticipation grows for Predator: Badlands, fans are left wondering what lies ahead. With Trachtenberg at the helm and a unique focus on a Yautja protagonist, the film could very well redefine expectations for this beloved franchise. Only time will tell how Dek’s story unfolds, but for now, the future of the Predator universe looks thrillingly bright.