Predator: Badlands
A visceral sci-fi western that inverts the hunter mythos. Amidst the rusted hues of an alien wasteland, a rejected predator and a broken machine forge a bond of survival, proving that true strength lies not in the kill, but in the clan one chooses.
Predator: Badlands
Predator: Badlands

"First hunt. Last chance."

05 November 2025 United States of America 107 min ⭐ 7.8 (1,343)
Director: Dan Trachtenberg
Cast: Elle Fanning, Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, Ravi Narayan, Michael Homick, Stefan Grube
Action Adventure Science Fiction
The Burden of Legacy Technological vs. Biological Evolution Empathy as a Survival Skill Inversion of the Monster
Budget: $105,000,000
Box Office: $184,485,907

Predator: Badlands - Characters & Cast

Character Analysis

Dek

Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi

Archetype: The Outcast / Byronic Hero
Key Trait: Tactical ingenuity over brute strength

Motivation

To prove he is a worthy hunter, and later, to avenge his brother and protect his new found family.

Character Arc

Starts as an insecure "runt" seeking his father's validation through violence. Through his bond with Thia and Bud, he evolves into a protector who rejects his clan's toxic dogma to forge his own path.

Thia

Elle Fanning

Archetype: The Companion / Mirror
Key Trait: Inquisitive innocence

Motivation

Survival and the protection of Dek, whom she recognizes as a kindred spirit.

Character Arc

Begins as a damaged, discarded machine awaiting retrieval. She discovers her own agency and humanity through her friendship with Dek, ultimately choosing to fight against her own 'sister'.

Tessa

Elle Fanning

Archetype: The Dark Mirror / Corporate Enforcer
Key Trait: Cold ruthlessness

Motivation

To complete the Weyland-Yutani mission of capturing the Kalisk at any cost.

Character Arc

Functions as the foil to Thia; she is efficient, ruthless, and fully subservient to the corporate mission. She represents what Thia was built to be but chooses not to become.

Njohrr

Reuben de Jong

Archetype: The Tyrant Father
Key Trait: Pride

Motivation

Maintaining the purity and strength of the clan through eugenic violence.

Character Arc

Static antagonist representing the old ways of the Yautja. His refusal to see Dek's worth leads to his ultimate downfall at the hands of the son he rejected.

Cast

Elle Fanning as Thia / Tessa
Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi as Dek / Father
Ravi Narayan as Bud
Michael Homick as Kwei (Suit)
Stefan Grube as Kwei (voice)
Reuben De Jong as Father (Suit)
Cameron Brown as Drone Synth
Alison Wright as MU/TH/UR (voice)
Matt Duffer as Kwei's Ship Computer (voice)
Ross Duffer as Kwei's Ship Computer (voice)