In a recent development for fans of the iconic ‘Predator’ franchise, director Dan Trachtenberg is reportedly in negotiations with 20th Century Studios to helm a new installment in the series, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
Trachtenberg, known for his 2022 Predator film ‘Prey’ which earned him an Emmy nomination, is set to return to the sci-fi action horror realm with a fresh take on the Predator universe. Titled ‘Badlands,’ the upcoming film is not a direct sequel to ‘Prey,’ which was set in 1719 and followed the story of a young Comanche woman battling interplanetary predators for survival. Instead, ‘Badlands’ will introduce an entirely new plot, shrouded in secrecy, but reportedly set in the future and featuring a female lead, much like its predecessor.
Collaborating once again with Patrick Aison, who wrote the screenplay for ‘Prey,’ Trachtenberg’s latest project has been quietly in the works and is approaching completion, with production set to kick off in July.
The success of ‘Prey’ has sparked renewed interest in the Predator franchise, prompting 20th Century Studios to undertake multiple Predator projects with Trachtenberg at the forefront. While details about these projects remain undisclosed, the studio appears to be capitalizing on the unexpected popularity of ‘Prey.’
The original ‘Predator,’ released in 1987, starred Arnold Schwarzenegger, Carl Weathers, and Jesse Ventura, becoming a cornerstone in the action film genre. Subsequent sequels include ‘Predator 2’ (1990), ‘Predators’ (2010), and ‘The Predator’ (2018), with ‘Prey’ serving as a prelude.
Following its launch on Hulu, ‘Prey’ achieved remarkable success as a streaming hit, breaking records for the platform. Originally slated for theatrical release, the film’s distribution strategy shifted after 20th Century Fox’s transition to Disney. The decision to release on Hulu, attributed to Disney’s focus on streaming services amid the ongoing pandemic’s impact on the box office, marked a strategic move for the studio.
