Dan Trachtenberg to Return to Direct Next Predator Pic, 'Badlands'

by Darian Scalamoni

    20th Century is moving forward with the latest adventure in the Predator franchise. Following the massive success of the Hulu exclusive prequel Prey starring Amber Midthunder, it seems that the director of that project, Dan Trachtenberg has signed on to direct the pic, titled Badlands.

    Plot details for Badlands are under wraps, but it's said to take place in the future with filming set to commence in 2024. Trachtenberg previously earned an Emmy nomination for directing Prey, which followed an adept female Comanche warrior named Naru who set to protect her people from a mysterious predator that is haunting their territory. It's said that the next movie in the Predator franchise is a high priority for the studio and will also get a theatrical release. Trachtenberg will co-write the script with Patrick Aison with executives on the lookout for talent to lead the pic currently.

    Prey broke streaming records on Hulu, whilst also garnering some of the best critical success across the franchise's history. Deadline reports that Prey 2 is also in development to expand the footprint in the Predator franchise overall, with 20th Century wanting Trachtenberg to steer head projects across film and television moving forward.

    Trachtenberg has previously directed 10 Cloverfield Lane, as well as the pilot episodes for popular Prime Video series The Boys and the episode titled "Playtest" from Netflix's Black Mirror. He's next set to serve as a director for the fifth and final season of Stranger Things.