In a fresh interview with The Predator movie cast member Keegan-Michael Key, we learn that the film will make reference to every other Predator film, including Predator 2, Predators and will also make reference to the Alien vs. Predator movies:
This picture contains a little bit of that as well as some great referential stuff – not just to the original movie, but to Predator 2 and every other movie in the franchise, including the Alien vs. Predator franchise. It pulls pieces from all of the movies. The way he references the movies is really clever, especially if you’re a huge Predator fan, and I’m a huuuuuge fan of this universe.
Keegan also goes on to express how unique Shane Black's approach to the Predator franchise has been and how the film is very plot-driven, but with characters you can get attached to:
It’s plot-driven and it has a meta quality to it at the same time, yet still he has room for character development. He hits the trifecta. Sometimes I think in action movies you can go, “I understand the story, but I don’t have any idea who he is, what he cares about, or who he’s married to.” I want that connection to a character so the stakes go through the roof. Our goal here is to make sure that if anybody perishes or is put in jeopardy, that you’re really going to be invested in these people.
Some fans have expressed concern about having a child as one of the lead characters of the film, but Keegan puts those concerns to rest as well:
Well, you can’t lose with this kid. This kid is the best actor in the movie. Unfortunately, I don’t get a lot of scenes with Jake [Tremblay]. He’s such a terrific kid and he’s a consummate professional. He’s way more professional than all of us – we’re just goofing off all the time.
You can read the full interview over on SlashFilm!
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Dan Trachtenberg's Predator: Badlands released in theaters on November 7th, 2025! See how well the film performed at the box office, here! Be sure to also browse the Predator Lore database for information on the film's different Yautja and characters, the planet Genna, how it connects to Alien, where in the Predator movie timeline the film takes place and more!
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