When Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi auditioned for “Predator: Badlands,” he was unaware that he was vying for the role of the frist heroic alien in the 38-year-old franchise. In fact, he didn’t even realize it was a “Predator” film at all, as no lines were provided to him during the audition.
“The only thing it said was ‘a creature,’” Schuster-Koloamatangi recalls. “The brief character description simply stated,‘It’s all up to your interpretation.’”
The 24-year-old actor had to rely heavily on his creativity. Growing up in auckland, New Zealand, he frequently visited local theaters and absorbed films whenever possible. However, as a child of a Tongan father and Samoan mother, he reflects on how rare it was to see Polynesian depiction on screen: “I didn’t think it was possible to see someone with brown skin represented in media from my part of the world.”
Diversity in Film Representation
Coming from an athletic family background, Schuster-Koloamatangi initially viewed rugby as his potential career path. He explains, “Growing up, you either play rugby or go to school and get a nine-to-five job.Acting never crossed my mind.” yet despite this mindset, he found himself increasingly drawn toward performance arts.
In middle school, he launched his own YouTube channel until copyright issues led to its removal—something that caught him off guard at the time. During high school drama classes and media studies courses in his final year, he connected with two Tongan filmmakers who inspired him by answering countless questions about their craft. A few months later they invited him to audition for a minor role in a New Zealand miniseries centered around a Kiwi rugby player—a role that marked his entry into acting.
“It consisted of just three scenes where my character met an untimely end,” Schuster-Koloamatangi shares. Still, this opportunity led him to secure an agent and eventually land the lead role in “The Panthers,” which tells the story of Polynesian youth forming their own political movement inspired by the American Black Panther Party—this became his turning point.
“I’ve never been naturally talented at anything,” admits Schuster-Koloamatangi candidly. “I’ve always had to work hard just to be average or slightly above average; it’s instilled within me an unyielding work ethic.” He pursued acting classes diligently and committed himself fully to this newfound passion.
“I have grand aspirations,” says Schuster-Koloamatangi with enthusiasm lighting up his face. “Once I decided this is what I wanted for my career path; I envisioned myself attending prestigious events like the Oscars alongside top-tier talent—I will get there one way or another.”
Elle Fanningand Dan Trachtenberg, during
the premiere of “Predator: Badlands” held in London.Lia Toby/Diversity
With his performance in “Predator: Badlands,” Schuster-Koloamatangi has taken important strides into stardom playing Dek—a young member of Yautja alien species who is ostracized by his father due being perceived as weak within their clan structure. To prove himself worthy Dek embarks on perilous travels across Genna—one of galaxy’s most treacherous planets filled with lethal flora and fauna—to hunt down Kalisk—a creature known for its invincibility.
The physical demands required for Dek’s character were immense; thus during Dimitrius’ second audition director Dan Trachtenberg (who also directed last year’s prequel ”Prey”) put him through rigorous obstacle courses alongside stunt performers—all competing for similar roles.
“dimitrius moved so fluidly yet powerfully—it far surpassed what we expected from any stunt performer,” trachtenberg remarked enthusiastically about Shcuhster- Koloaamtangis’ notable display during auditions adding that Dimitirius elevated our film beyond expectations.”
Your initial audition didn’t provide much context about your character or even mention you were trying out for ‘Predator: Badlands.’ How did you approach it?
I had one scene performed entirely in English followed by another where I created an alien language based solely on improvisation using elements from Samoan and Tongan mixed with gibberish! Afterward came callbacks leading me into obstacle course challenges which left me wondering what exactly this project entailed!
You mentioned tackling those challenging obstacle courses; how did you handle them?
I’m competitive but kept reminding myself not rush through things—it wasn’t merely about speed but rather focusing intently upon delivering strong performances while embodying whatever creature they envisioned us portraying! They gradually revealed more details throughout our training sessions including information regarding dan Trachtenberg directing along with studio involvement so I took creative liberties aiming towards something reminiscent yet distinctively different than previous Predator creatures—and thankfully succeeded!
This type of physical challenge must have been new territory; had you ever participated before?
Nope! This experience marked my very first attempt at such activities—I felt fully out-of-place among seasoned stunt professionals executing flips effortlessly around me! It could’ve easily overwhelmed anyone else—but having grown-up engaged actively within sports helped ground me mentally knowing deep down ‘you belong here.’ Just give everything your best shot as if things don’t pan out then perhaps fate has othre plans waiting ahead rather!
The moment you secured your role when did realization hit regarding carrying Elle Fanning throughout filming?
This aspect struck me humorously too—the initial read-through revealed Dek would carry Thia upon back which made sense conceptually though thought surely CGI would come into play as she possesses legs normally right? But working under Dan’s direction anything becomes feasible—we rehearsed extensively utilizing various rigs designed specifically allowing her weight distribution comfortably while strapped together ensuring safety protocols adhered strictly throughout production process adding depth authenticity onto screen capturing genuine emotions between characters beautifully portrayed via shared experiences endured together!
You began rehearsals prior meeting Elle how did ice-breaking occur between both parties involved?
The connection formed organically without any forced effort whatsoever making recalling specifics challenging now looking back retrospectively—I admit feeling apprehensive beforehand given her star status but once introduced realized immediately she exuded warmth friendliness instantly putting everyone around ease creating cozy atmosphere conducive collaboration blossoming rapidly thereafter especially once harnesses strapped tightly securing us together allowing casual conversations flow freely over hours spent bonded physically emotionally alike sharing laughs stories alike enhancing chemistry onscreen tremendously further enriching viewer experience overall!