The world of cinema is full of surprises, and this story is a testament to that. James Cameron, the legendary director, had his doubts about a new Predator film, but little did he know, he'd be a part of its success story!
In a recent interview, Dan Trachtenberg, the director of Predator: Badlands, revealed an intriguing connection with Cameron. It all started with an invitation to New Zealand, where Cameron was working on Avatar. Trachtenberg shared, "I felt incredibly fortunate to receive an invitation from Cameron himself to spend a day with him. It was an offer I couldn't refuse!"
During their time together, Trachtenberg opened up about his ambitious plans for Predator: Badlands. He described the unique approach he was taking, one that would be "new to the franchise and to me as a filmmaker." But here's where it gets controversial... Cameron, despite his initial skepticism, gave Trachtenberg a vote of confidence. He said, "I was thinking about what you're doing, and I think it's going to work." This blessing from a director who's conquered seemingly impossible odds was a huge morale boost for the entire team.
Trachtenberg continued, "The support from Cameron, who has taken on and conquered incredible challenges, was an incredible honor." However, Cameron later confessed that he wasn't entirely convinced Trachtenberg would succeed. "He saw the movie a couple of months ago and admitted, 'When I first heard your plans, I didn't think it would work. But you pulled it off!'" Trachtenberg added, "I think he either forgot our first conversation, which meant a lot to me, or he knows exactly what someone in my position needs to hear to get things done."
Predator: Badlands is set in the future on a remote planet, where a young Predator named Dek, an outcast from his clan, finds an unexpected ally in Thia. Together, they embark on a perilous journey to face the ultimate adversary. The film has received mostly positive reviews, with critics praising its unique take on the franchise. However, some have pointed out that the PG-13 rating might make it feel out of place compared to the grittier, R-rated Predator movies of the past. One critic wrote, "While the new direction is welcomed, the PG-13 rating makes it feel like a movie for a younger audience, especially with the addition of a cute sidekick animal named Bud. It's well-executed, but it's definitely not aimed at the older fans of the franchise."
So, what do you think? Is Predator: Badlands a refreshing take on the franchise, or does the PG-13 rating take away from the intensity of the original films? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! We'd love to hear your opinions on this controversial topic.
