Imagine receiving a vote of confidence from the mastermind behind some of the most iconic films in cinematic history, only to later discover he initially doubted your vision. That’s exactly what happened to Predator: Badlands director Dan Trachtenberg when he got a surprising endorsement—and later, a candid confession—from none other than James Cameron. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: Cameron’s involvement wasn’t just a casual nod; it was a pivotal moment that shaped Trachtenberg’s journey with the film.
In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Trachtenberg revealed that Cameron, the visionary director of Avatar, extended a personal invitation for him to visit the set in New Zealand. ‘It’s not an offer you can refuse,’ Trachtenberg admitted. The two had previously connected after Cameron praised Trachtenberg’s work on Prey, and their collaboration circles at 20th Century Studios made the encounter feel almost serendipitous. During his visit, Trachtenberg shared his ambitious plans for Predator: Badlands, describing it as a bold departure for the franchise—both in storytelling and execution. ‘I laid out this wild idea, and the way we were approaching it was completely uncharted territory for me as a filmmaker,’ he explained.
And this is the part most people miss: After their meeting, Cameron offered a simple yet powerful endorsement: ‘I think it’s going to work.’ For Trachtenberg, those words were more than just encouragement—they were a lifeline. ‘Coming from someone who’s tackled the seemingly impossible and succeeded, it was absolutely incredible,’ he recalled. This boost of confidence carried him through the challenges of production, and as a token of gratitude, Trachtenberg ensured Cameron received a special thank-you in the film’s credits.
But here’s the twist: Cameron later admitted he wasn’t initially sold on the idea. ‘When I first heard what you were doing, I didn’t think it would work,’ Cameron confessed after seeing the finished film. ‘But you absolutely pulled it off.’ Trachtenberg reflected on this with a mix of humor and admiration: ‘Either he forgot our first conversation, which meant so much to me, or he’s a master of knowing exactly what a filmmaker needs to hear. I’m betting on the latter.’
Set in a distant future on a remote planet, Predator: Badlands follows Dek (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi), a young Predator outcast, who forms an unlikely alliance with Thia (Elle Fanning). Together, they embark on a perilous quest to confront the ultimate adversary. The film has garnered largely positive reviews, with critics praising its fresh take on the franchise. However, here’s where it gets controversial: the decision to give the film a PG-13 rating has sparked debate among fans. While some argue it feels akin to an R-rated movie due to its intense alien gore, others, like our own Chris Bumbray, disagree. ‘It’s clearly aimed at a younger audience,’ he noted, pointing out the inclusion of a cute sidekick animal named Bud. ‘It’s a well-executed PG-13 film, but it’s not targeting the older Predator fanbase like Prey did.’
So, here’s the question for you: Does a PG-13 rating dilute the essence of the Predator franchise, or is it a smart move to attract a new generation of fans? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. One thing’s for sure—whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, Predator: Badlands is a bold addition to the series that’s sparking conversations far beyond its futuristic setting.
