The Predator universe returns to the spotlight with Predator: Savage Lands, the latest chapter in the iconic franchise that promises to elevate the suspense and brutality in this new sequel. Directed by Dan Trachtenberg (The Cloverfield Room), the film delves even deeper into the mythology of the alien hunters and blends visceral action with a plot that explores the limits of human survival.
But what few people know is that, during filming, a series of curiosities and behind-the-scenes stories came to light, revealing surprising details about the cast, the creature's design, and even the philosophy behind the plot. Below, Curioso Geek has gathered 10 secrets from the set of Predator: Savage Lands that every fan of the franchise needs to know! Want to stay up to date? Then let's go.
1. A return to the origins of the franchise
Current director Dan Trachtenberg revealed that his main goal was to capture the tension and realism of the original 1987 film, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. To achieve this, the team opted for real locations and dense jungles, avoiding excessive use of CGI. The intention was to recreate the feeling of isolation and constant danger, with nature acting as a separate character, something fans of the first film will immediately recognize.
2. Filming in inhospitable and dangerous locations
Filming took place in the Canadian wilderness, known for its unpredictable weather and rugged terrain. The production team reported that some scenes required hours-long journeys to filming locations, which heightened the realism and also increased the cast's physical fatigue. However, according to Trachtenber, the goal was for the actors to "feel the environment" and convey genuine exhaustion in each scene.
3. A Smarter Predator
The creature's design was completely revamped for Predator: Savage Lands! The new Predator, dubbed The Stalker behind the scenes, is a more agile version, with tribal features and rudimentary armor. The concept was to create a hunter that seemed more primal, but also more instinctive. "We wanted him to look like a wild animal in its purest form,", commented the film's artistic director.
The idea directly connects Savage Lands with the film Predator: The Hunt (2022), expanding the timeline and showing different evolutionary stages of the species.
4. The human protagonist and her connection with the hunter
The big surprise is the new lead, played by Amber Midthunder, who returns after her success in The Hunt. This time, her character is more experienced, but still driven by courage and curiosity. Sources on set revealed that the actress spent weeks training with archery and survival skills in the woods to give her scenes authenticity.
Furthermore, there is an emotional tension built between hunter and prey, a kind of mutual respect that adds depth to the confrontation.
5. Practical technologies instead of CGI
One of the most impressive secrets on set was the use of practical effects for the Predator, from the full suit that weighed over 90 pounds and featured animatronic systems for facial movement. The actor who played the creature, Dane DiLiegro, reported that filming was intense, especially in extreme temperatures.
The result, however, was worth the effort: the alien looks more real than ever, with textures and movements that could hardly be reproduced digitally.
6. A script full of metaphors
The script for Predator: Savage Lands goes beyond action. It addresses themes such as environmental impact and humanity's predatory relationship with the planet. This subtly inserted symbolic layer reinforces the contrast between the "alien hunter" and the "human hunter," leading the audience to reflect on who the story's true predator is.
7. The Apocalypse Now-inspired photography
The cinematographer drew inspiration from war film classics like Apocalypse Now and Platoon to create the film's visual atmosphere. The night scenes, in particular, were designed to emphasize the contrast between the glow of alien technology and the natural darkness of the jungle, reinforcing the narrative's sense of suspense and tension.
8. Hidden Easter eggs for longtime fans
Yes, Predator: Savage is packed with references to previous films. Among the Easter eggs are tribal symbols that recall the first film, as well as subtle references to iconic characters from the franchise. There's also a scene that recreates the Predator's legendary "war cry," a moment that promises to send chills down the spines of even the most seasoned fans.
9. The soundtrack that mixes classic and modern
The soundtrack, composed by Sarah Schachner (Assassin's Creed: Valhalla), combines tribal instruments and modern synthesizers, creating a sound that bridges tradition and innovation. The main theme includes subtle references to Alan Silvestri's composition from the original 1987 film—a direct homage to the saga's origins.
10. The future of the Predator franchise
During on-set interviews, Dan Trachtenberg and producers from 20th Century Studios confirmed that Savage Lands is just the beginning of a new trilogy. The idea is to explore different eras and cultures, showing how the Predator interacts with humanity at different moments in history.
This paves the way for new films, and even possible crossovers with other Fox properties, such as Alien, a long-held dream of fans.
Conclusion
Predator: Savage promises to be a milestone in the franchise, uniting the spirit of the classic with a modern and reflective approach. The result is a production that respects the legacy while also pointing to the future of the saga. For fans of action, science fiction, and survival stories, this film is a must-see.
And if you want to dive even deeper into the world of cinema, check out our articles on Sinners cast: meet the stars of the new movie hit!
