Predator’s Future Secure: Dan Trachtenberg Signs Major Deal with Paramount!

Dan Trachtenberg continues to explore the universe of the Yautja.

Under Trachtenberg’s direction, the Predator series has seen a resurgence with its latest three films, including 2022’s Prey, and the 2025 releases Killer of Killers and Badlands. These films have not only been well-received critically but have also performed excellently at the box office, particularly Badlands, which grossed over $184 million globally. This success sparked speculation about his return for the anticipated Prey 2. Yet, the industry was surprised to learn of his new first-look deal for producing and directing with Paramount.

In a recent interview with Ash Crossan of ScreenRant during the home media release of Badlands, Trachtenberg discussed his future with the Predator franchise post-Paramount deal. He confirmed that he is still in the early stages of planning his next steps within the sci-fi action series. He mentioned that his deal with Paramount would run concurrently with his work on more Predator content, noting that “timing [will be] a bit of a thing” as he decides on his upcoming projects:

Dan Trachtenberg: Indeed, regarding Predator, I’m still in the phase of brainstorming additional ideas, as I was before. Now, Paramount offers an incredible chance to bring to life original concepts that have long been in my thoughts. It’s thrilling to have a venue to launch them theatrically. They also possess exciting intellectual properties that now give me a chance to explore, like, “What might I do with these?” So, it’s a concurrent activity, but certainly, my new role at Paramount is quite exhilarating, and I’ve been actively developing projects to possibly produce there.

When probed further about specific future plans, especially the previously announced Prey 2, Trachtenberg shared that he is contemplating what would make the next installment unique. He compared the current situation to his experiences following his 2022 series debut, when he had clear visions for Badlands and Killer of Killers, which were produced simultaneously. He emphasized that he is now engaged in a “multipronged [state of] thinking” about advancing “this cool story” further:

Dan Trachtenberg: “Now, we have this intriguing story and new characters that would be great to further develop. But, are there aspects we haven’t yet explored in the franchise, or elements in sci-fi that would be amazing to introduce as another entry point? Like all three of my films — Prey, Killers of Killers, and Badlands — they serve as entry points into the franchise. I am considering those avenues too.”

Trachtenberg’s agreement with Paramount coincides with several other deals the studio has secured following its merger with Skydance. Notable agreements include those with the Duffer Brothers of Stranger Things, Jon M. Chu of Wicked, and James Mangold of A Complete Unknown. Unlike some of his peers, Trachtenberg has yet to confirm any specific projects at Paramount, which leaves him room to both pitch new ideas to the studio and continue developing the Predator series.

While it remains uncertain at which stage his Paramount deal was made around the release of his latest film, Trachtenberg has consistently expressed his commitment to further developing the Predator storyline. He has previously confirmed intentions to expand on the cliffhanger ending of Badlands and explore the character Dek’s relationship with his mother, while also hinting at potential developments following the revelation in Killer of Killers that Naru and other Yautja hunt survivors have been cryogenically frozen and taken to Yautja Prime.

The most likely continuation for Trachtenberg within the Predator franchise seems to be the much-anticipated Prey 2, with Amber Midthunder expected to return as Naru. Midthunder has expressed eagerness to reprise her role, which became a hit on streaming platforms, and Trachtenberg has often shown interest in a sequel, though he has not detailed specific plans for it.

With Badlands also setting the stage for a potential new Alien vs. Predator crossover, and his producing partner Ben Rosenblatt confirming discussions with Arnold Schwarzenegger about a return, Trachtenberg has multiple avenues to extend his involvement with the Predator saga. His recent affirmation of no plans to exit the series ensures fans that the creative momentum of his films is likely to continue.

Trachtenberg Was Thrilled He Didn’t Cut The Predator: Badlands Scene That Became A Fan-Favorite

ScreenRant: Your work has significantly invigorated the Predator franchise. At Paramount, do you see any existing properties that you’re particularly eager to redefine?

Dan Trachtenberg: There are ideas at Paramount that have definitely sparked my interest. Interestingly, some of these are concepts I had pitched a while back that didn’t come to fruition then. That situation has now turned into, “Oh wait, I could apply that idea here instead.” I always remember this almost mythical story of Spielberg in Hawaii with George Lucas, upset because he couldn’t direct a James Bond film. Lucas told him, ‘Don’t worry, I have something even better.’ That has stuck with me, influencing me to think, ‘Okay, they didn’t go for this, but let’s do it on my own terms.’ A lot of my Predator ideas historically stemmed from that mindset. And now, at Paramount, while some of those ideas have evolved differently, there are still those that we’ve never seen executed in certain ways. But the true excitement lies in the chance to create something completely new, potentially even a new IP.”

ScreenRant: Whenever I imagine George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, they’re always building a sandcastle in my mind.

Dan Trachtenberg: You could definitely ask AI to create that image for you. I picture them with two lounge chairs, drinks with umbrellas, and both wearing Hawaiian shirts. [Laughs]

ScreenRant: I have one more question. I’ve recently realized how much I adore the character Bud. What has been your favorite reaction to Bud?

Dan Trachtenberg: I think audiences really connect with Bud’s journey and start to appreciate him more as the story unfolds. It’s kind of heartbreaking, what he goes through. Inside a movie, you anticipate surprises, but you forget the film itself can surprise you. Here’s what I’ll say for a better response: the campfire scene where Bud mimics Dek, directly inspired by Jaws, was a scene I was convinced would be cut because it wasn’t essential to the narrative and it was a long, costly scene focused on visual effects. We tried multiple times to make it seem more crucial, but I was sure it would be removed in our first screening with the studio or audience. Yet, it wasn’t. It turned out to be the favorite scene for many and received very audible reactions, which was incredibly encouraging because I had braced myself for its removal, understanding why it might happen. But I’m delighted it remains a part of a Predator movie, and that reaction was very uplifting.”

Predator: Badlands is now available on Hulu, 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and DVD.