Director Dan Trachtenberg revealed the Marvel hero who originally inspired his Predator in Predator: Badlands. Although it was for an initial concept, the director’s inspiration is quickly understood when you account for the film’s premise.
According to Trachtenberg, he was inspired by Daredevil to make the character of Dek (who is the protagonist Predator in the movie) blind. This would have further added depth to the storyline.
Director Dan Trachtenberg said Dek was blind in his first concept for ‘PREDATOR: BADLANDS’:One of the main inspirations for it was Daredevil.(Source: @BAFTA) pic.twitter.com/oZJUYMxKMD— MCU Film News (@MCUFilmNews) November 5, 2025
However, this decision was later changed by the director for a multitude of reasons. Dek was later revealed to be blind in only one eye instead of both eyes.
Director Dan Trachtenberg Changed His Decision For Predator: Badlands
Of course, a Predator being blind in both eyes would have created a problem because they are the galaxy’s strongest hunters. Although the premise of Predator: Badlands is based around a weakling, making him completely blind would have been too difficult to manage.
According to Collider, the Yautja is only blind in one eye, making it somewhat of a vulnerability compared to the brutes of his family. However, the blindness in one eye was hell for the makeup and prosthetic department because they had to show it quite visibly.
With striking yellow eyes and a singular black pupil, both Dimitrius Koloamatangi (the actor playing Dek) and his stunt double had to get special prosthetics done (the stunt double even more so) so that they could see while filming.
Why is Dek Considered an Outcast in Predator: Badlands?
A still from Predator: Badlands | Credits: Lawrence Gordon Productions
Well, Dek is considered an outcast in Predator: Badlands because of his small stature (via Collider). Although he can hold his own in a fight, Dek was seen as a weakling and a disgrace by his father, who was the head of the clan.
He orders Dek’s older brother to kill Dek in order to restore the family’s name. Being lean and of smaller stature, Dek has no choice but to run in order to save himself from his father’s wrath.
That’s when he decides to go to Genna in order to hunt a creature known as the Kalisk (a creature that even his father fears). Hence, with Dek’s abilities and his will to prove himself as a Yautja, the premise of Predator: Badlands starts.
The film has received impressive ratings so far, but it remains to be seen whether the film will be a financial success or not.
Do you think Dan Trachtenberg will be able to revive the Prey franchise again? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Predator: Badlands will release on November 7, 2025, in theaters (USA).
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