Director Dan Trachtenberg has shed light on the diverse video game influences that shaped his vision for the upcoming film Predator: Badlands. Set to redefine the franchise, the movie introduces a unique Predator named Dek in a leading role, a departure from previous iterations.
Trachtenberg shared with IGN that his creative process for the film was significantly impacted by several video games over the years. He specifically highlighted the companion dynamics found in titles like Half-Life 2 (particularly the robot dog), the rebooted Prince of Persia, and Uncharted. According to Trachtenberg, the presence of a companion figure profoundly enriches a journey, a concept central to the narrative of Dek and Thia, an android character portrayed by Elle Fanning.
The 2018 iteration of God of War also played a crucial role in influencing the nature of both Dek and Thia. Thia`s backstory provides a link to the Alien universe, as she was constructed by the infamous Weyland-Yutani corporation. A notable visual inspiration for Dek carrying Thia on his back came from the iconic scene of Chewbacca carrying C-3PO in The Empire Strikes Back.
Furthermore, Trachtenberg previously cited Shadow of the Colossus, a PlayStation 2 game from 2005, as a key inspiration for the unusual relationship between Dek and Thia. He explained that he was greatly influenced by games where a laconic protagonist is paired with a companion who brings “color and connection” to the story, and who is capable in ways the protagonist is not. This dynamic is clearly mirrored in the pairing of Dek, a creature of few words, and the more expressive and capable Thia.
Predator: Badlands is scheduled to be released in theaters on November 7.