AIWorldNewz.com

Why Amber Midthunder’s Naru Was Cut from Predator: Badlands

Source: Predator: Badlands Director on Why Amber Midthunder Didn’t Return (2025-11-04)

In the latest installment of the Predator franchise, "Predator: Badlands," fans were disappointed to find that Amber Midthunder’s character, Naru, did not appear. Director Dan Trachtenberg explained that while he initially envisioned Naru playing a significant role, plot changes led to her absence, as he aimed to focus on a story with no human characters—centered solely on the Predator and its new environment. The film introduces a fresh narrative set in a different setting from "Prey" (2022), following a young Predator outcast named Yautja Dek and his synthetic ally Thia, played by Elle Fanning. Trachtenberg’s decision reflects a broader trend in modern franchise filmmaking, emphasizing innovative storytelling and character development across multiple installments. Recent developments in the Predator universe include the upcoming release of "Prey 2," which is expected to explore the origins of the Predator species and their interactions with early human civilizations, set to premiere on Hulu in late 2025. Additionally, the franchise is expanding into new media, with a planned animated series that will delve into Predator lore and the Yautja culture, scheduled for release on streaming platforms in 2026. The franchise’s revitalization is also marked by a focus on diverse storytelling, with new characters from different backgrounds being introduced to appeal to global audiences. Moreover, the franchise is exploring crossovers with other sci-fi properties, including a rumored collaboration with the "Alien" universe, aiming to create a shared universe that could rival Marvel’s success. Trachtenberg’s approach to "Predator: Badlands" exemplifies a strategic shift toward more serialized storytelling, with plans for multiple interconnected films and series that deepen the franchise’s mythos. As the Predator franchise continues to evolve, fans can anticipate more innovative narratives, character-driven stories, and expanded universe content that will keep the franchise relevant and engaging well into the next decade.

More recent coverage