Key Takeaways
- Dan Trachtenberg’s 'Predator: Badlands' is the ninth film, starring Elle Fanning and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi.
- Ryan Reynolds is reportedly remaking the 1970 crime film 'Thunderbolt and Lightfoot' for Amazon MGM.
- 'Predator: Badlands' grossed $40 million, indicating revived interest in the franchise.
- The hosts ranked the 'Predator' franchise, naming the 1987 original as the best film.
- Sydney Sweeney's recent filmography includes diverse projects with varying critical and box office reception.
Deep Dive
- Ryan Reynolds is reportedly attached to a remake of the 1970 crime film 'Thunderbolt and Lightfoot' for Amazon MGM.
- The hosts speculated on Reynolds's involvement and the remake's potential tone.
- Michael B. Jordan is also working on a remake of 'The Thomas Crown Affair.'
- The film 'Play Dirty,' starring Mark Wahlberg, is also connected to Amazon MGM.
- Dan Trachtenberg continues his involvement with the franchise, with 'Predator: Badlands' focusing on Elle Fanning's character, Thea, and a young outcast Predator.
- The film's success is attributed to its lower reliance on lore, allowing for soft resets similar to older James Bond films.
- Elle Fanning's performance was key to the film's effectiveness, particularly her character's role in eliciting exposition.
- The protagonist Predator is depicted as an 'unproven' and 'runt of the litter' character, fostering audience empathy.
- The introduction of the Weyland-Yutani Corporation in 'Predator: Badlands' sparked discussion on integrating the 'Alien' and 'Predator' franchises under Disney.
- Director Dan Trachtenberg's potential role in managing both franchises, akin to 'Alien: Romulus,' was explored.
- The guest expressed reservations about Weyland-Yutani's consistent role as a 'big bad' seeking powerful technology.
- 'Predator: Badlands' grossed $40 million, suggesting a revived interest in the franchise, contrasting with a trend of established brands moving to streaming.
- 20th Century Studios employs a dual release strategy, with some films like 'Romulus' released theatrically and others like 'Killer of Killers' going to Hulu.
- The development of franchise films using a 'television writer's room' approach, exemplified by 'Predator: Badlands,' was discussed.
- The hosts debated whether director Dan Trachtenberg's continued involvement with multiple 'Predator' films is the best use of his talents, citing his work on '10 Cloverfield Lane.'
- The discussion covered the franchise's need for 'steady hands' and Trachtenberg's potential future involvement with the 'Alien' franchise.
- A preference for standalone 'Predator' stories over drawn-out sagas was expressed.
- The hosts ranked the 1987 original 'Predator' as the best, describing it as a 'five-star masterpiece' and a 'leanest, meanest' action film.
- 'Predators' (2010), directed by Nimrod Antal and featuring Adrien Brody, Walton Goggins, and Mahershala Ali, was placed at number two.
- Laurence Fishburne's 'over-the-top' performance in 'Predators' was noted.
- The hosts ranked 'Predator 2' at number three, 'Prey' at number four, and 'Predator: Badlands' at number five.
- They debated the comparative quality and satisfaction of 'Predator 2' versus 'Prey.'
- 'Predator 2' was acknowledged for its cultural impact, including its introduction to Rastafarianism.
- The 'Predator' franchise ranking concluded with 'Alien vs. Predator,' 'Requiem,' and 'The Predator' being criticized as terrible entries, with specific commentary on 'The Predator's' production issues.
- News of 'Gremlins 3' was introduced, raising concerns about director Chris Columbus's recent directorial work since 2005.
- The hosts suggested Joe Dante or a younger director would be more appropriate for 'Gremlins 3.'
- The hosts reviewed Sydney Sweeney's recent filmography, including 'Christy,' 'Night Teeth,' 'Reality,' 'Anyone But You,' 'Madame Web,' and 'Immaculate.'
- They noted varying box office performances and critical receptions for her projects.
- Upcoming projects like 'Eden,' 'Echo Valley,' and the thriller 'The Housemaid' were discussed, with the latter involving Sweeney uncovering dark secrets.