Imagine this: James Cameron, the visionary behind cinematic juggernauts like Avatar and Titanic, initially doubted Predator: Badlands would even work!
That's right, the director of some of the biggest blockbusters of all time wasn't entirely convinced by the new Predator installment, as revealed by director Dan Trachtenberg. But how did Cameron get involved in the first place? Well, it all started with a friendly invitation. Trachtenberg, while shooting the film in New Zealand, received an offer he couldn't refuse: a visit with Cameron himself.
"I consider myself incredibly blessed," Trachtenberg shared, attributing the connection to working with the same collaborators at 20th Century. Apparently, Cameron had enjoyed Trachtenberg's previous work, Prey, and the two had stayed in touch. This led to Trachtenberg spending time with Cameron on the set and in the edit bay of Avatar: Fire and Ash. During this time, Trachtenberg detailed his ambitious and unconventional approach to Badlands, which was going to be a fresh take on the franchise.
After their separate drives to dinner, Cameron's words of encouragement were a game-changer. "I was just thinking about what you’re doing, and I think it’s going to work," he told Trachtenberg. This vote of confidence provided the necessary boost, fueling Trachtenberg and his crew. Cameron's support was invaluable, especially considering his track record of successfully tackling seemingly impossible projects.
But here's where it gets controversial... Cameron later confessed he hadn't always believed in Trachtenberg's vision. "I have to be honest with you. When I first heard what you were doing, I did not think it was going to work. But holy crap, you pulled it off," Cameron admitted. Trachtenberg, however, believes Cameron knew exactly what he needed to hear to keep the project moving forward.
Predator: Badlands is set in a future on a remote planet, following a young Predator named Dek, who is an outcast from his clan. He forms an unlikely alliance with Thia and embarks on a perilous journey. The film has received largely positive reviews, with many praising its fresh take on the Predator universe. However, one point of contention has been the PG-13 rating. Some critics feel it doesn't quite fit the tone of the older, R-rated Predator movies. One critic noted that the film seemed to be geared towards a younger audience, with the inclusion of a cute animal sidekick.
What do you think? Do you agree that the PG-13 rating is a misstep, or does it work for the new direction of the franchise? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
