Last Podcast On The Left
Last Podcast On The Left
"The truth of the matter is, I don't know more than anyone. There are people that know the lore from ancillary material far more than I do." — Dan Trachtenberg
"I say the very, you call it very unique, but I feel like they all like involve teamwork. Like, I feel like they're all like, like, it's like, it's like, if you the only way to win whether, you know, you're on no matter what side you're on is teamwork." — Ed Larson
"The whole movie he doesn't see her as a threat the entire time. She keeps saying, I'm, I'm a badass and he keeps saying, I don't even see you as that, you know? And it's not really until the end that she does become a threat that, that in, in the final moments, he sees her as worthy and then it's too late." — Dan Trachtenberg
The podcast features a detailed discussion with director Dan Trachtenberg about his contributions to the Predator franchise. Trachtenberg highlights his approach to filmmaking within established universes, emphasizing the importance of understanding and integrating existing lore while simultaneously developing original narrative arcs. He reveals that a comprehensive "bible" for the Yautja species did not exist initially, and he collaborated with artists from ADI to establish a cohesive visual and thematic foundation for his films, drawing inspiration from various comics and novels. Trachtenberg also discusses how elements from previous Predator films, including those he didn't personally direct, have been incorporated into his canon, demonstrating a holistic view of franchise development.
The conversation delves into the intricacies of the Yautja species, including their name, origin, and potential societal structures. Trachtenberg clarifies that "Yautja" was primarily established in ancillary materials like novels, not the films themselves, and he explored their origins as enslaved beings who overthrew their masters, the Amengi. He also touches upon the thematic elements present in his films, such as the concept of teamwork and underdog stories, which serve as emotional anchors within the Predator universe. The discussion further explores potential crossover ideas and the creative challenges of working within a studio system.
Trachtenberg shares personal anecdotes about his childhood passion for R-rated movies and how it fueled his imagination, leading him to create his own imagined film scenarios, including a detailed Predator level for a game magazine. He recounts how the film Prey was a personal fulfillment of an imagined epic battle from his youth. The episode also touches upon the film's PG-13 rating, explaining the creative choices made regarding blood and creature design. Trachtenberg expresses his enthusiasm for the future of the franchise and his ongoing creative relationship with director Fede Álvarez.