Naru's Return: Why Amber Midthunder Isn't in Predator: Badlands

Hey, movie fanatics! If you're wondering where Amber Midthunder's legendary Comanche warrior Naru is in the new 'Predator: Badlands' movie, you're not alone. Director Dan Trachtenberg is spilling the tea on why she's sitting this one out, and trust us, it's for a very good reason!

TL;DR

Amber Midthunder's Naru will NOT appear in 'Predator: Badlands.'
Director Dan Trachtenberg wanted 'Badlands' to feature a Predator as the protagonist with "no humans in the movie."
Naru's story is far from over, with 'Prey 2' confirmed and a "bigger plan" for her return hinted at in future crossovers.

The 'Predator' Franchise Gets a Jolt: From 'Prey' to 'Badlands'

The 'Predator' universe has truly found its stride again, all thanks to the visionary Dan Trachtenberg. After wowing us with 2022's 'Prey' – a critically acclaimed, streaming smash hit that put Amber Midthunder firmly on our radars – he's back, and he's shaking things up even more. 'Prey' transported us back to 1719, showing Naru's fierce battle against a Yautja in the Great Plains, proving that a skilled warrior could go toe-to-toe with the galaxy's deadliest hunter.

Now, we're eagerly anticipating 'Predator: Badlands,' which is taking the franchise in a completely different, futuristic direction. This isn't just another hunt on Earth; it's a bold new chapter. But with all the hype, one big question has been on everyone's mind: where does Naru fit into this new timeline? Will those tantalizing plot threads from 'Prey' finally get picked up?

A Bold New Hunt: 'Predator: Badlands' Takes Us to an Alien World with No Humans!

Why Naru Isn't in 'Predator: Badlands' (And What's Next!) image 3

Get ready for a serious change of pace! 'Predator: Badlands' is diving headfirst into uncharted territory. This isn't your typical human-versus-Predator showdown. Instead, the film follows a young Yautja (that's what the Predators call themselves, for the uninitiated!) named Dek, played by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi. He's teamed up with a synthetic companion, Thia, brought to life by the incredible Elle Fanning. Their mission? Survival on a perilous alien world.

The big takeaway here is that 'Badlands' is making history by making the Predator the main protagonist, and intentionally excluding any human characters from the core story. It's a brave, experimental move that aims to offer a fresh perspective on the iconic alien species. The film clocks in at 107 minutes and is set to blast into theaters on November 7, 2025. Early reactions are already buzzing with excitement, and box office projections hint at some impressive records for the franchise. It seems Trachtenberg is on a roll!

The Director's Vision: Why Dan Trachtenberg Benched Naru for This Mission

Why Naru Isn't in 'Predator: Badlands' (And What's Next!) image 4

So, why no Naru, you ask? Director Dan Trachtenberg, the mastermind behind this 'Predator' renaissance, has a clear and compelling reason. While making the rounds for 'Badlands,' he sat down with ScreenTime and openly addressed whether Amber Midthunder's return was ever on the cards for this specific movie. And he was surprisingly frank about it.

It turns out, the idea of bringing Naru back was definitely something he toyed with during the early stages of development. He even considered pairing her with the new protagonist, Dek! Imagine that dynamic! However, Trachtenberg ultimately decided against it to stay true to a very specific premise for 'Badlands' – one that prioritizes the Yautja's story above all else. His goal was to create a movie where the Predator is unequivocally the hero (or anti-hero, depending on your view), without any human presence to divert that focus.

This decision highlights Trachtenberg's commitment to exploring new facets of the 'Predator' universe, even if it means temporarily sidelining a fan-favorite character. It's not about forgetting Naru; it's about giving this particular story the space it needs to shine on its own terms.

"I think I would say there's a bigger plan down the line. I did think about the pairing of before it was Thia, but then I thought, 'Well, now, then I'm not doing the premise.' And I really wanted to do the premise: The Predator's protagonist and no humans in the movie. And so it became, further down the line we can do some cooler things, maybe."

— Dan Trachtenberg, Director of 'Predator: Badlands' (via ScreenTime)

'Killer of Killers' Teases Naru's Future: Frozen in Stasis, But Not Forgotten

Why Naru Isn't in 'Predator: Badlands' (And What's Next!) image 5

Just because Naru isn't in 'Badlands' doesn't mean her story is over – far from it! Dan Trachtenberg has been subtly weaving a larger narrative tapestry for the 'Predator' franchise, and Naru is a crucial thread. For those who caught the animated anthology 'Predator: Killer of Killers' (also directed by Trachtenberg, by the way!), there was a jaw-dropping post-credits stinger that gave us a huge clue about Naru's future.

In that scene, we saw Naru from 'Prey' frozen in stasis, having been captured by the Yautja. But she wasn't alone! Alongside her were none other than Mike Harrigan from 'Predator 2' (played by Danny Glover) and the original 'Predator' star, Dutch Schaefer (Arnold Schwarzenegger). This mind-blowing reveal confirmed that Naru was indeed captured after her victory in 'Prey,' and it strongly suggests a massive, timeline-spanning crossover event is being planned.

Even though 'Badlands' is set way further in the future, the concept of suspended animation neatly bridges these timelines. This means Naru could absolutely be thawed out centuries later, ready for an epic comeback alongside other legendary human survivors. It's a genius move by Trachtenberg to keep these iconic characters alive and hint at a much larger universe at play.

Building a Cinematic Universe: Trachtenberg's 'Marvel-esque' Approach to the Predator Saga

Why Naru Isn't in 'Predator: Badlands' (And What's Next!) image 6

When discussing his grand vision for the 'Predator' franchise, Dan Trachtenberg himself drew a parallel to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He wisely pointed out that what made 'Avengers' work so well was that it wasn't the first or second MCU movie. Instead, audiences had spent time bonding with individual characters and their unique stories before they all collided in one massive event. This is exactly the strategy he's employing for 'Predator.'

By giving 'Prey' its own standalone success and now venturing into new territory with 'Badlands' (which focuses on a Yautja protagonist), Trachtenberg is building a foundation. He wants each story to be compelling on its own before orchestrating a major crossover. This approach has earned him comparisons to Marvel's Kevin Feige, a compliment he humbly accepts, acknowledging Feige's genius in creating an unprecedented cinematic universe.

And for those eager for more Naru, don't forget: 'Prey 2' was officially confirmed back in February 2024, with Amber Midthunder expected to return. While 'Predator: Badlands' has been the immediate focus, Naru's direct sequel is still very much in the pipeline. Trachtenberg is clearly playing the long game, setting up a rich, interconnected future for the entire 'Predator' saga. The franchise is arguably in its best shape ever, moving beyond cult appeal to potentially become Hollywood's next big sci-fi powerhouse.

What's Next for Naru and the 'Predator' Universe?

So, while you won't see Naru in 'Predator: Badlands,' her future in the franchise is incredibly bright. Dan Trachtenberg's decision to keep her out of this particular film isn't a dismissal; it's a strategic move to set up something even cooler down the line. By giving 'Badlands' the space to tell a unique, Predator-centric story, he's expanding the universe's lore and showing us new facets of the Yautja. Meanwhile, Naru's cryogenic capture in 'Killer of Killers' has opened the door wide for potential team-ups that could span centuries and unite fan-favorite characters.

When 'Predator: Badlands' hits theaters on November 7, 2025, prepare for an experience unlike any other in the franchise – a story without humans, set on an alien world, with a Predator front and center. But rest assured, Naru's journey as a warrior is far from finished. Trachtenberg is clearly saving her for a pivotal role in the grander, interconnected 'Predator' narrative he's meticulously building. In this universe, great warriors never truly stay gone for long!

Frequently Asked Questions About Naru and 'Predator: Badlands'

Will Amber Midthunder's Naru ever return to the Predator franchise?

Yes! While Naru isn't in 'Predator: Badlands,' director Dan Trachtenberg has confirmed there's a "bigger plan down the line" for her. 'Prey 2' has also been confirmed with Amber Midthunder returning, and her appearance in stasis in 'Predator: Killer of Killers' strongly hints at a future crossover.

What is 'Predator: Badlands' about?

'Predator: Badlands' follows a young Yautja (Predator) named Dek and his synthetic companion Thia as they fight for survival on an alien world. The film is unique because it features a Predator as the main protagonist and intentionally includes no human characters.