James Cameron's Surprising Take on Predator: Badlands
In a surprising twist, it turns out that the legendary director James Cameron had his doubts about the upcoming Predator film, Badlands. But here's where it gets interesting - his initial skepticism only adds to the intrigue surrounding this highly anticipated sequel.
Dan Trachtenberg, the director of Predator: Badlands, recently revealed that Cameron invited him to New Zealand for a day, an offer he couldn't refuse. Trachtenberg shared his ambitious plans for the film with Cameron, and the Avatar director's response was an unexpected boost of confidence.
"I told him about our crazy approach, and he said, 'I think it's going to work.' That blessing from Cameron, who has conquered seemingly impossible odds, was incredible," Trachtenberg recalled. But the story doesn't end there. Cameron later confessed that he initially wasn't sure Trachtenberg's vision would come to fruition.
"He saw the movie and admitted, 'I have to be honest, when I first heard your idea, I didn't think it would work. But you pulled it off!'" Trachtenberg said. So, was Cameron playing mind games, or did he genuinely change his mind?
Predator: Badlands is set in the future on a remote planet, following the journey of an outcast young Predator named Dek and his unlikely ally, Thia. The film has received positive reviews, but our critic Chris Bumbray noted the PG-13 rating, which he believes sets it apart from the grittier tone of the older Predator movies.
"While the gore is there, this was clearly aimed at a younger audience. It's a well-executed PG-13, but it's not for the older fans of the franchise," Bumbray wrote. So, is this a fresh take on the Predator universe, or a missed opportunity to deliver the intensity fans crave?
And this is the part most people miss: the impact of Cameron's initial doubt. It's a reminder that even the greatest directors face skepticism, and it's how they respond that defines their success. So, what do you think? Is Predator: Badlands a triumph or a missed chance? Let's discuss in the comments!