AIWorldNewz.com

Why Amber Midthunder’s Naru Was Missing in 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 surprised by the absence of Amber Midthunder’s character, Naru. Director Dan Trachtenberg explained that although he initially envisioned Naru playing a significant role, plot changes led to her exclusion, as he wanted to focus on a story with no human protagonists, emphasizing the Predator’s perspective. The film introduces a new setting and characters, including a young Predator outcast named Yautja Dek and his synthetic ally Thia, played by Elle Fanning. Trachtenberg’s decision aligns with a broader trend in modern franchise filmmaking, where creators prioritize expanding universe lore and exploring new narrative angles. Since the release of *Prey* in 2022, which was praised for its fresh take and cultural authenticity, the Predator franchise has seen a resurgence, with plans for multiple future projects. Recent developments include the announcement of a *Predator* TV series set in the same universe, scheduled for release on streaming platforms in 2026, promising to deepen the lore and introduce new characters. Additionally, the franchise is exploring cross-media storytelling, including upcoming comic books that will reveal the origins of the Yautja species and their societal hierarchy, as well as a new video game slated for late 2026 that will feature open-world gameplay and multiplayer modes. Trachtenberg’s approach reflects a strategic shift in franchise storytelling, emphasizing character-driven narratives and expanding the mythos beyond traditional human-centric plots. Industry insiders suggest that this move is part of a broader industry trend toward more diverse storytelling, with a focus on environmental themes and moral ambiguity, resonating with contemporary audiences. The decision to omit Naru from *Badlands* also aligns with the franchise’s goal to explore the Predator’s perspective, offering viewers a fresh lens on the iconic hunter. Looking ahead, the franchise’s future appears promising, with plans for a crossover film with the *Alien* universe, which has been in development since 2024. This crossover aims to combine the horror and sci-fi elements of both franchises, creating a new cinematic universe that could rival the Marvel Cinematic Universe in scope and popularity. Moreover, recent advancements in visual effects technology, such as real-time rendering and AI-assisted CGI, are expected to elevate the quality of Predator films, making future installments more immersive and visually stunning. In conclusion, the absence of Amber Midthunder’s Naru in *Predator: Badlands* was a creative decision rooted in the desire to explore new storytelling avenues within the Predator universe. As the franchise continues to evolve, fans can look forward to a richer, more diverse array of content across films, television, comics, and video games. With strategic planning and innovative storytelling, the Predator franchise is poised to maintain its relevance and appeal to both longtime fans and new audiences alike, ensuring its place in the pantheon of iconic sci-fi and action franchises for years to come.

More recent coverage