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 eventual skepticism—from none other than James Cameron. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: Cameron’s early uncertainty turned into a full-throated endorsement after seeing the final product. So, how did this unlikely collaboration come to be, and what does it mean for the future of the Predator franchise?
In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Trachtenberg revealed that his connection with Cameron stemmed from their shared collaborators at 20th Century Studios. After Cameron saw Prey and expressed his admiration, the two filmmakers stayed in touch. When Trachtenberg began prepping Badlands in New Zealand, Cameron extended a rare invitation to visit his Avatar: Fire and Ash set in Wellington. And this is the part most people miss: during their time together, Trachtenberg shared his ambitious vision for Badlands, describing it as a bold departure for the franchise. Cameron’s initial response? A cautious optimism that evolved into a full-blown endorsement over dinner, where he declared, ‘I think it’s going to work.’
This endorsement was no small feat for Trachtenberg, who later reflected on Cameron’s words as a ‘blessing’ from a filmmaker known for tackling—and conquering—seemingly impossible projects. But the story takes a twist when Cameron, after watching Badlands, admitted, ‘I have to be honest with you. When I first heard what you were doing, I did not think it was going to work. But holy crap, you pulled it off.’ Was this a forgotten conversation, or a deliberate strategy to motivate Trachtenberg? Here’s where it gets controversial: Cameron’s ability to provide just the right encouragement at the right time raises questions about the psychology of mentorship in Hollywood. Did he genuinely change his mind, or was he playing the long game to inspire Trachtenberg? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Set on a remote planet in the future, Predator: Badlands follows Dek (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi), a young outcast Predator, who forms an unlikely alliance with Thia (Elle Fanning) as they embark on a perilous quest for the ultimate adversary. The film has garnered largely positive reviews, though its PG-13 rating has sparked debate among fans. And this is the part most people miss: while some critics argue the film ‘feels’ R-rated due to its alien gore, others, like our own Chris Bumbray, contend it’s clearly aimed at a younger audience, complete with a cute sidekick animal named Bud. This shift in tone has left some longtime Predator fans feeling it’s out of place compared to the franchise’s darker roots.
So, is Predator: Badlands a refreshing reinvention or a misstep for the franchise? Does its PG-13 rating alienate its core audience, or does it successfully introduce the series to a new generation? Here’s where it gets controversial: Could this be a strategic move to broaden the franchise’s appeal, or is it a dilution of what made Predator great? Weigh in below—we want to hear your take on whether this bold new direction pays off or falls flat.
