Predator: Badlands Draws Inspiration from Iconic Star Wars Scene
In “Predator: Badlands,” director Dan Trachtenberg masterfully weaves a mesmerizing tapestry of sci-fi elements by blending the iconic visual nod to Star Wars with the compelling storytelling dynamics of beloved video game narratives. Drawing on the haunting image of Chewbacca hauling a broken C-3PO, the film introduces us to a fraught journey as young Predator Dek—played by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi—carries the bisected Weyland-Yutani synth Thia, portrayed with depth by Elle Fanning. The narrative is enriched by powerful influences from Half-Life 2, the engaging companion dynamic from Uncharted, and the emotional resonance of 2018’s God of War, creating a rich, emotive story world. As Dek and Thia navigate this fresh sci-fi universe, their bond echoes through cinematic history and cutting-edge gaming, while intertwining with the enigmatic Alien universe, leaving the audience on the edge of their seats. What dark secrets will their journey unravel, and how will the legacy of cinematic and gaming narratives shape their fate? Discover the full story to experience a unique piece of science fiction that boldly treads new ground, where echoes of the past are the backdrop to an audacious adventure.
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Quick Takeaways
- Predator: Badlands includes a visual tribute to Star Wars
- Director Dan Trachtenberg credits video game influences in shaping characters and narrative
- The bond between Dek and Thia draws from games like Half-Life 2 and God of War
- Thia’s inclusion ties the film into the larger Alien universe
A Sci-Fi Callback to Star Wars
Predator: Badlands features a recognizable reference to a classic Star Wars moment. The image of Dek carrying Thia recalls the scene in The Empire Strikes Back where Chewbacca hauls the disassembled C-3PO through Cloud City. According to director Dan Trachtenberg, “That was the initial inspiration for it,” referring to both the emotional setup and the visual impact of one character bearing another.
Shaped by Iconic Video Game Companions
While the Star Wars connection is visually striking, Trachtenberg points to several video games that shaped the ideas behind the film’s emotional relationships and pacing. He references the robot dog from Half-Life 2 as an early influence, describing it as both a protector and companion. The updated Prince of Persia and Uncharted titles further informed character chemistry and relationship building, while the narrative journey of the 2018 God of War played a role in how the characters evolve together. "Having the companion along with the journey makes it that much more rich and entertaining," Trachtenberg explains.
Integrating the Alien Universe
Predator: Badlands adds another layer by subtly linking to the Alien mythology. The character Thia, portrayed by Elle Fanning, is a Weyland-Yutani synth, tying into the extended sci-fi universe shared by both the Predator and Alien franchises. Her connection with Dek, a young Predator played by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, centers on trust, survival, and interdependence rather than conventional action tropes. The result is a story that may look familiar, but feels informed by a range of emotional and narrative references.
Blending Film and Game Storytelling
Rather than prioritizing one single reference point, Predator: Badlands builds on film and gaming traditions. It forms new ground by blending familiar elements—from visually iconic film scenes to the evolving trust seen in interactive storytelling. The result is a character-driven story that stands apart from earlier entries in the Predator series while still honoring its broader sci-fi connections.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Star Wars influence Predator: Badlands?
Star Wars inspired Predator: Badlands by influencing its world-building, visual storytelling, and character design elements. The creative team cited Star Wars’ blend of mythology and sci-fi action as a template for crafting the Badlands universe.
What was revealed about Predator: Badlands at SDCC 2025?
At SDCC 2025, creators unveiled the first trailer for Predator: Badlands, showcasing a new storyline with deep sci-fi lore, Star Wars-inspired aesthetics, and expanded Predator mythology. Panel discussions highlighted key influences and new characters.
Is Predator: Badlands set in the same universe as Star Wars?
No, Predator: Badlands is not set in the Star Wars universe, but it draws inspiration from its tone and storytelling techniques. The creators referenced Star Wars as a creative influence, particularly in developing its epic scope and hero’s journey arc.
Who are the creators behind Predator: Badlands?
Predator: Badlands is developed by a team of genre veterans, including some producers and writers who have worked on major sci-fi franchises. Several team members discussed at SDCC 2025 how Star Wars shaped their vision for the project.
Will Predator: Badlands include Star Wars-style space battles?
While Predator: Badlands isn’t set in space like Star Wars, it incorporates large-scale action sequences and futuristic tech that draw on the epic feel of space battles. The creators aimed to match the cinematic excitement of Star Wars combat scenes.
What is the storyline of Predator: Badlands?
Predator: Badlands follows a new group of characters navigating a lawless, sci-fi frontier where Predators are active hunters. The story blends survival themes with a Star Wars-inspired narrative structure centered around destiny and conflict.
Are there Easter eggs for Star Wars fans in Predator: Badlands?
Yes, the creators hinted at subtle nods to Star Wars for fans to discover, including visual references and layered storytelling elements influenced by the franchise’s classic scenes and characters. These are meant as tributes rather than direct connections.
Filipino Translation:
Predator: Badlands may pagka-tribute sa Star Wars — lalo na 'yung eksena sa The Empire Strikes Back kung saan binubuhat ni Chewbacca si C-3PO na kinalas. Sabi nga ni director Dan Trachtenberg, “That was the initial inspiration for it,” kung saan tinutukoy niya 'yung visual at storytelling idea na may character na nagdadala ng isa pang character sa likod niya.
Pero kahit malakas 'yung Star Wars vibes, hindi lang doon umiikot 'yung peg ng movie. Ang Predator: Badlands, halatang kuha rin sa iba’t ibang video game influences. Share ni Trachtenberg na na-inspire siya sa mga tulad ng Half-Life 2 — lalo na 'yung part with the companion robot dog, tapos 'yung storytelling feels ng Prince of Persia, pati 'yung super engaging na narrative ng Uncharted, at siyempre, 'yung journey with a companion vibe sa 2018 God of War. Sabi pa niya, “There’s a few that have influenced me over the years and definitely come together in this. One would be the combination of Half-Life 2, when you meet the robot dog, it’s like your pet, but you befriend it, and the reboot of Prince of Persia, and Uncharted where it’s like having the companion along with the journey makes it that much more rich and entertaining. And then of course, the 2018 God of War. All of that influenced the nature of Dek and Thia in this movie, along with many other things.”
May pa-connect din 'to sa Alien universe dahil kasama si Thia, isang Weyland-Yutani synth na ginaganapan ni Elle Fanning. Si Dek naman, isang batang Predator na ginagampanan ni Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, binubuhat si Thia na nahati ang katawan — parang callback na naman sa Star Wars tsaka Alien, pero hindi lang naka-focus dun 'yung story. Instead, 'yung feels at lalim ng kwento, galing sa mix ng mga movie at video game influences — kaya unique 'yung storytelling ng sci-fi film na 'to.
SDCC 2025: How Star Wars Inspired Predator: Badlands was first published here.
