Behind-the-Scenes Look at Predator: Badlands is Both Hilarious and Uplifting
Dan Trachtenberg’s *Predator: Badlands* has just launched digitally, with a physical release on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD set for February. This means fans can look forward to a treasure trove of behind-the-scenes footage that reveals the movie’s effects-heavy production before the visual magic was added. As always, this kind of footage is a treat for those who love to see the inner workings of filmmaking, and in this case, it’s particularly entertaining. The cast appears to be having a blast, especially Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, who plays the young Predator Dek, running around in what looks like a Predator hoodie, his human face fully visible.
Take a look at this exclusive clip from one of the behind-the-scenes featurettes, “Embodying the Predator,” featuring Schuster-Koloamatangi and co-star Elle Fanning as they film an action sequence. In the movie, Dek is an unblooded Predator on his first major solo hunt, aiming to take down a legendary creature on a deadly planet. Fanning portrays dual roles as Thia and Tessa, two humanoid androids designed identically. Thia starts the film in a rather unique position, torn in half, which means Fanning is seen lying on the ground in a half-blue-screen suit for digital effects later.
One of my favorite moments in this clip is when Schuster-Koloamatangi picks up a blaster pistol, and someone off-screen adds “pew pew pew” sound effects to mimic gunfire. It’s a playful touch that brings to mind stories of Liam Neeson and Ewan McGregor making lightsaber sounds during their fight scenes in the *Star Wars* prequels. The footage has a charming, playful vibe, whether it’s Schuster-Koloamatangi grimacing and snarling as Dek (with the Predator face digitally mapped over his own) or standing in a studio booth speaking the Yautja language.
The physical edition of *Predator: Badlands* drops on February 17 and is available for pre-order now. It will feature a wealth of extras not included in the digital version. Here’s what to expect:
