“Predator: Badlands” Draws Inspiration From Gaming classics Like “World of Warcraft” and “Shadow of the Colossus”
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The upcoming “Predator: Badlands,” set to release November 7, 2025, is shaping up to be a uniquely inspired installment in the franchise, drawing heavily from the aesthetics and storytelling of beloved video games.
20th Century studios’ latest “Predator” film is being hailed as the most radical entry since the original, with director Dan Trachtenberg blending Shakespearean drama with intense action. But beyond its cinematic influences, the film’s creative DNA is surprisingly interwoven with the worlds of interactive entertainment.
From “Badlands” Codenames to “World of Warcraft” Homages
The film’s very title, “Predator: Badlands,” originated as a codename during production, unexpectedly linked to the popular massively multiplayer online role-playing game, World of Warcraft. As Trachtenberg explained in an exclusive interview with /Film, the name arose organically from a gaming session.
“In fact, the movie’s title was initially just a codename,” he stated. “I thought the movie was going to be called ‘Yautja,’ and the codename for it was ‘Badlands.’ It eventually became ‘Backpack’ when we were filming, but I needed a codename. I needed to come up with it quick, and I looked over at my computer and on my Blizzard launcher, my friend was in ‘WOW,’ in Badlands. It says the character name and the location in the game that they were in, and it said ‘Badlands.’ and I was like, ‘That’s a great title.'”
The connection to Blizzard Entertainment’s flagship title doesn’t end with the name. A charming alien creature named Bud, portrayed by Rohinal Nayaran, was directly inspired by the Murloc minions found throughout the “World of Warcraft” universe, revealing trachtenberg’s apparent fondness for the game.
Beyond “WOW”: “Shadow of the Colossus” and “Horizon: zero Dawn” as Key Influences
While “World of Warcraft” provided a foundational element, “Predator: Badlands” pulls inspiration from a diverse range of sources, notably within the gaming landscape. Trachtenberg specifically highlighted the impact of “Shadow of the Colossus” and “Horizon: Zero Dawn” on the film’s visual style and narrative structure.
“‘Shadow of the Colossus.’ Huge inspiration, not just aesthetically for some designs, but really even just for the nature of the story,” Trachtenberg shared. He also noted the influence of “Horizon,” “probably of course,because there’s a fusion of bio and tech,and futurism and naturalism.”
These influences are evident in the film’s ambitious scope and unique blend of organic and technological elements, creating a fantastical universe that feels both familiar and strikingly original.
A Franchise Ripe for Gaming Adaptation
The creative team behind “Predator: Badlands” envisions a universe that could seamlessly translate into a video game experience. Trachtenberg has openly expressed his desire for a console adventure inspired by franchises like “Uncharted” and “Assassin’s Creed”. While fans currently enjoy 2020’s “Predator: Hunting Grounds” and earlier console titles, the potential for a “Badlands”-inspired game remains a tantalizing prospect.
“Predator: Badlands” represents a bold new direction for the franchise, demonstrating the power of cross-media inspiration and the enduring appeal of the Predator universe. The film’s November 7, 2025, release promises a thrilling cinematic experience for fans and gamers alike.
