The 'Predator' franchise is experiencing a thrilling resurgence, thanks to the visionary Dan Trachtenberg. His 2022 film, 'Prey,' not only injected fresh energy into the series but also introduced us to the incredible Amber Midthunder as Naru. Now, as we eagerly await Trachtenberg's upcoming 'Predator: Badlands,' a new story unfolds, setting the stage for a fresh narrative. But a burning question remains: will Naru return? And was 'Badlands' ever intended to continue her story?
It's a fact: Naru won't be in the new 'Predator' film. Instead, the focus shifts to the young Yautja Dek and his companion Thia as they navigate an alien world.
During the development of 'Badlands,' Trachtenberg considered bringing Naru back. He revealed that he initially contemplated pairing the new protagonist with Naru. However, he decided against it to fully embrace the premise of the new movie. Trachtenberg explained that he wanted to focus on the Predator's protagonist and exclude humans, suggesting that Naru's return might be explored later.
It's clear that Trachtenberg considered bringing back Amber Midthunder and her captivating portrayal of Naru. If we take his comments at face value, he actually considered having Dek team up with Naru. This would have created a more cohesive narrative across multiple films. And, as we know from the post-credits scene of the animated 'Predator: Killer of Killers,' Naru's potential return is even more plausible, as she's been frozen in stasis.
While 'Badlands' could have been a perfect fit for Naru, the animated film hinted at a potential sequel that could feature Naru alongside other familiar faces. Although we appreciate animation, seeing Midthunder reprise her role in live-action would be exciting. With 'Badlands' already receiving positive feedback, Trachtenberg seems poised to deliver another outstanding 'Predator' film. Whatever he has planned, we're all in!
So, what do you think? Would you have liked to see Naru in 'Badlands'? Share your thoughts in the comments!
