James Cameron Personally Approved the Script for the New 'Predator'
Diana Golenko
Terminator and Avatar creator James Cameron personally supported the production team behind Predator: Badlands, directed by Dan Trachtenberg (Prey, 10 Cloverfield Lane). According to the filmmaker, Cameron not only offered him valuable advice early in production but also later watched a rough cut of the movie — fully approving the project’s creative direction.
Trachtenberg said that Cameron reached out to him during the early stages of filming in New Zealand:
I told him what we were doing [with Badlands]. This was early in our development, so I was terrified of this due process, where we wouldn’t have the traditional prosthetics. I was saying, ‘I think this look should work. This is what I’m going for.’ Then we took separate cars and met at dinner. When he sat down, he said, ‘I got to tell you, I was thinking about what you’re doing on the way over here. I think it’s going to work.’ That was like wind blowing in my head! I went all the way back to [the set in] Auckland, and was like, ‘Guys, Jim Cameron thinks it’s going to work, so we’re good.'
According to the director, after their conversation, Cameron admitted that he thought the idea was strong and would likely work. Encouraged by the feedback, Trachtenberg returned to the set and shared Cameron’s words with the crew. Later, he sent the legendary filmmaker an almost finished version of the movie for feedback — and Cameron’s response proved decisive:
He watched the cut and then shot me a note that said, ‘I got to tell you, when I first heard about what you’re doing, I didn’t think it was going to work. But now that I’ve seen it. I can’t believe it. You made it work.’
As a sign of gratitude, James Cameron’s name appears first in the end credits under “Special Thanks.”
Incidentally, the film has received an A- rating from CinemaScore, making it the highest-rated entry in the Predator franchise. It’s currently tracking for a $36–38 million opening weekend, potentially setting a new record for the series. Audience reception has also been excellent — Rotten Tomatoes shows a 95% Fresh rating.
Earlier, critics gave Predator: Badlands generally positive reviews, though some noted unevenness in the script. The film is now playing in theaters.
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