Dek is the name of the Yautja / Predator character in Predator: Badlands (2025). Dek is the first protagonist Yautja to ever feature in a Predator movie. This article details information about the character in Yautja lore.
Who plays Dek in Predator: Badlands?
Dek was portrayed by suit actor Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi. Wearing a practical suit and a partial head covering, Dek's face was digitally imposed over top of Dimitrius' face in post-production by Weta Digital.
Species Profile
Dek belongs to a species of Yautja – intergalactic humanoids who base their lives and society on a strict code of honor upheld by a hierarchy of established and respected individuals. Most Yautja are inherently tribal and tend to only associate and operate with those within their own Clans. Yautja earn respect and attain social status by performing ritualistic hunts and claiming specific trophies.
Dek is one of two siblings to one of these Clan Leaders – Dek being the runt of the litter, physically smaller and disadvantaged compared to his brother, Kwei.
Dek's Story
Being the younger and smaller sibling, he is viewed as a weak link within his father's Clan. In Predator: Badlands, Dek is faced with a challenge – a battle with his own brother, where the winner will be given an opportunity to earn their own status within the Clan hierarchy. During this battle, Kwei is victorious and is instructed by his father to execute Dek – removing the weak link.
Kwei refuses to follow their father's orders, which in turn acts as a challenge to their father as well. A battle ensues between Kwei and their father, but before Kwei's defeat, he ushers Dek into a nearby ship and sends him off world. The destination Dek pursues is Kalisk – a hostile alien planet housing numerous predatory organisms and vegetation.
On Kalisk, Dek sets a seemingly impossible goal – to kill a massive, multi-limbed alien creature. He thinks killing this massive alien will prove his worth to his father and will earn him the respect of his Clan.
While on Kalisk he discovers Thia – a Weyland-Yutani synthetic who was damaged and stranded on Kalisk, along with an army of other combat Synthetics. Unlike the other Synthetics however, Thia takes a liking to Dek and aids him on his journey.
Unique Qualities
Dek is the first and only runt Yautja ever portrayed on film so far. He is also the first Predator that does not act as an antagonist. Dek exhibits more human characteristics and is more of a relatable character than previous iterations of Yautja in film.
In terms of unique characteristics, Dek sports an alternative dreadlocks style and one of his mandible tusks are broken. His skin tone is more red overall.
Weapons and Armor
When it comes to armor and weaponry, Dek sports a variety of new Predator weapons – utilizing melee as well as ranged types. While Dek seems to not sport the classic Wrist Blade gauntlet, he wields a form of Sword, which glows red. He also uses a Bow and Arrow style weapon – a first in the Predator film franchise.
Notably absent so far are Plasma Casters, Wrist Blades and Smart Discs.
References & Expanded Lore
While no other references exist yet, Yautja fans have speculated that Dek could be based on, or will eventually be a live action immortalization of the comic-book Yautja named Broken Tusk – the iconic Predator from Dark Horse Comics' first Aliens vs. Predator crossover series. Broken Tusk and Dek share a lot of characteristics, both being protagonists, collaborating with Humans / Synthetics and both have a broken tusk on their mandibles.
Fans speculate Predator: Badlands is setting up for the Alien vs. Predator reboot, which may draw inspiration from Dark Horse Comics' original series.
As new information about Dek becomes available, this article will be updated.
