Dan Trachtenberg’s “Predator: Badlands” is finally bringing “Predator” and “Alien” together in a sleek, off-world setting, featuring Elle Fanning’s android character crafted by none other than Weyland-Yutani. It’s less about a testosterone-fueled action figure brawl and more about a nuanced narrative fusion, says Dan Trachtenberg to Deadline.
What happened
Dan Trachtenberg, famed director, chats about how they’re aiming for a thoughtful crossover, dodging the “multiverse bonanza” pitfall (looking at you, MCU). He highlights that the goal isn’t to shoehorn Xenomorphs into the mix just for kicks. Remember the mess that was “AVP”? Yeah, this isn’t that.
Producer Ben Rosenblatt spills on the organic blend of Weyland-Yutani and androids. Apparently, Trachtenberg had a lightbulb moment: “I think we need robots.” Enter Weyland-Yutani, naturally.
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s potential return
Ah, the eternal tease of Arnold’s comeback as Dutch. Will he? Won’t he? We’ve danced this dance since he almost returned for the 1990 sequel, only to have Gary Busey step in. Sure, Arnold’s been cozying up to the idea, meeting with Dan, but let’s not hold our collective breath just yet.
According to Deadline, the team is buzzing over the prospect of his involvement. Yet, with one animated cameo since the ’80s, skepticism is the best policy here.
The bigger picture
Sigourney Weaver’s been chatting with Disney about an “Alien 5” script where Ripley finds herself incarcerated. With “Predator: Badlands” set way in the future, tying Dutch back into the narrative might require some creative loopholes—perhaps a sprinkle of Yautja tech or a dash of Amber Midthunder’s Naru from “Prey”?
Excited to see what unfolds? “Predator: Badlands” hits theaters on November 7. Until then, ponder how Dutch might defy time itself.
(Via: EW)
