Thescreescore – The cinematic landscape of the Predator franchise, revitalized under the masterful direction of Dan Trachtenberg, is poised for an exciting future. Despite recent industry buzz surrounding his significant new first-look producing and directing deal with Paramount, Trachtenberg has unequivocally confirmed his ongoing commitment to the Yautja saga. This revelation comes directly from the filmmaker himself, who, in an exclusive discussion with thescreescore.com’s Ash Crossan regarding the home media release of Badlands, clarified that his new studio partnership will operate in tandem with his continued creative involvement in the acclaimed sci-fi action series.
Trachtenberg’s recent contributions have been nothing short of transformative for the venerable Predator universe. His 2022 prequel, Prey, garnered immense critical praise, setting the stage for the equally well-received 2025 follow-ups, Killer of Killers and Badlands. The latter, in particular, shattered box office expectations, raking in over $184 million globally and marking a new commercial peak for the franchise. This string of successes naturally led to widespread anticipation for his continued involvement, particularly for a potential Prey 2. However, the announcement of his comprehensive deal with Paramount sparked questions about his availability for future Predator installments.
Addressing these queries, Trachtenberg articulated his dual focus. He expressed profound enthusiasm for the Paramount collaboration, viewing it as an "incredible opportunity to make original things that have been in my heart and mind for a long time," alongside exploring the studio’s extensive intellectual property. Crucially, he emphasized that his engagement with the Predator universe remains vibrant. "I’m in this zone of dreaming up more," he stated, explaining that while the Paramount venture is "definitely really exciting," it will be a "simultaneous thing" with his ongoing Predator development. He acknowledged that "timing [will be] a bit of a thing" in managing his diverse slate of projects.
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Delving deeper into his Predator aspirations, Trachtenberg revealed a "multipronged state of thinking" for the franchise’s evolution. Beyond merely continuing existing narratives, he is actively seeking "what would be special" for the next chapter. He likened his current creative process to the period following Prey, where he conceived both Badlands and Killer of Killers as distinct yet simultaneous "entry points" into the saga. His current exploration extends to identifying fresh perspectives and unexplored facets within the sci-fi genre that could serve as innovative new gateways for the Yautja hunters. This includes considering the compelling characters introduced in his recent films and how their stories might unfold further.
While specific projects remain under wraps, Trachtenberg has previously hinted at several intriguing directions. Fans anticipate a continuation of Badlands‘ gripping cliffhanger, potentially delving into Dek’s enigmatic relationship with his mother. Furthermore, the tantalizing revelation from Killer of Killers — that Naru and other survivors of Yautja encounters have been cryogenically preserved on Yautja Prime — presents a rich narrative vein. The long-awaited Prey 2, featuring Amber Midthunder’s triumphant return as Naru, also remains a strong possibility, with both the star and director consistently expressing keen interest in a sequel.
The broader implications for the Predator cinematic universe are equally compelling. Badlands has notably advanced the groundwork for a potential Alien vs. Predator crossover, a prospect that has long captivated fans. Adding to the excitement, Trachtenberg’s producing partner, Ben Rosenblatt, has reportedly engaged in discussions with none other than Arnold Schwarzenegger regarding a possible return to the iconic role that launched the franchise. With Trachtenberg’s reaffirmed commitment to the series, even as he embarks on new ventures with Paramount, enthusiasts can rest assured that the creative momentum and high-quality storytelling that have defined his Predator tenure are set to endure.
For those eager to revisit the latest chapter, Predator: Badlands is available for streaming on Hulu starting February 12th, and on 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and DVD from February 17th.
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