Imagine receiving a thumbs-up from the mastermind behind some of the biggest blockbusters 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 the seal of approval from none other than James Cameron. But here’s where it gets intriguing: Cameron’s early skepticism turned into admiration, proving that even the most seasoned filmmakers can be pleasantly surprised. In a recent interview with THR, Trachtenberg revealed how a chance encounter with Cameron in New Zealand became a turning point for the film. Cameron, who was working on Avatar: Fire and Ash, invited Trachtenberg to visit his set in Wellington, where the two discussed Badlands—a project Cameron initially thought was a risky gamble.
Trachtenberg recalled, ‘I shared the crazy vision we had for the film, how it would push boundaries for the franchise and for me as a filmmaker. Later, over dinner, Cameron turned to me and said, “I think it’s going to work.” Those words were like rocket fuel for my team and me.’ Fast forward to Cameron watching the final cut, and he admitted, ‘I have to be honest, I didn’t think you’d pull it off, but holy crap, you did.’ This back-and-forth highlights the power of encouragement in filmmaking—even when it comes from someone who initially had doubts.
But here’s the part most people miss: Cameron’s early skepticism wasn’t just a casual opinion; it was a reminder of the high stakes involved in reinventing a beloved franchise. Predator: Badlands takes place in the future on a remote planet, where a young, outcast Predator named Dek (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi) forms an unlikely alliance with Thia (Elle Fanning) as they embark on a perilous quest. The film has been praised for its fresh take, though its PG-13 rating has sparked debate among fans. Is it a bold move to target a younger audience, or does it dilute the grit of the original Predator films?
Our own Chris Bumbray enjoyed the film but pointed out that the PG-13 rating feels at odds with the franchise’s darker roots. ‘While critics argue it feels R-rated due to its alien gore, I disagree,’ he wrote. ‘The inclusion of a cute sidekick animal named Bud clearly signals this is a film for younger viewers. It’s well-executed, but it’s not the *Predator fans of the original series might expect.’*
And this is where it gets controversial: Does toning down the violence betray the spirit of Predator, or is it a necessary evolution to attract new audiences? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. Whether you’re team PG-13 or team R-rated, one thing’s for sure—Predator: Badlands is a bold step forward, and Cameron’s unexpected endorsement proves that sometimes, even the skeptics can be won over.
