The Predator franchise just suffered a major setback

“Prey” and “Predator: Badlands” director Dan Trachtenberg has a new base of operations, having just signed a first-look deal with Paramount Pictures. It’s a bit of a homecoming for Trachtenberg, since he made his studio directorial debut with “10 Cloverfield Lane” in 2016. But while it’s good news for Trachtenberg, it’s probably not encouraging for those who have recently enjoyed his efforts on the “Predator” franchise.

According to The Hollywood ReporterTrachtenberg signed a three-year deal to specifically develop, direct and support theatrical films for the studio with his producing partner, Ben Rosenblatt. It is similar to ‘Stranger Things’ creators Matt and Ross Duffer’s deal with Paramountwhich will allow them to make films for theaters (which Netflix would not commit to). That being said, it appears the studio has taken a filmmaker-first approach following its merger with Skydance last year.

Perhaps it’s no coincidence that Paramount has also been trying to bring back the “Cloverfield” franchise for several years. In 2021, he hired Joe Barton to write a direct sequel to ‘Cloverfield’although this has not yet materialized. Maybe Trachtenberg can get it going? The filmmaker had this to say about the deal in a statement:

“As a kid, I remember seeing the Paramount logo and dreaming of the epic adventure that would follow. Now having the opportunity to bring huge, moving new stories to giant screens is literally a dream come true. Ben and I can’t wait to join Dana. [Goldberg]Josh [Greenstein]Don and the entire Paramount team to continue our shared vision of making Paramount the pinnacle of cinema once again.”

Whether it’s with “Cloverfield” or something else, it now seems to occupy most of Trachtenberg’s time – which leaves the future of the “Predator” franchise on uncertain ground.

While it doesn’t appear that Dan Trachtenberg’s deal with Paramount is exclusive, he will still get first bite at the apple for any features he develops from here on out. And rest assured, the studio will get the most out of its contract, just like Trachtenberg. At the very least, he won’t have as much time to devote to the “Predator” property now that he’s moved to a rival studio.

‘Prey’ Became the Most Reviewed ‘Predator’ Movie of All Time in 2022with Trachtenberg’s acclaimed entry in the beloved sci-fi franchise going straight to Hulu. So while his direct-to-streaming release may have been a mistake, it proved he was the right director for the property. He then set about creating not one but two very different sequels, which materialized last year in the form of the Hulu animated film “Predator: Killer of Killers” and the live-action film “Predator: Badlands,” which debuted in theaters.

Both films were, once again, massive critical successes that paved the way for more to come. ‘Killer of Killers’ Post-Credit Scene Set Up a Big Sequel and enthusiastic fans, although Disney has yet to confirm whether this sequel is actually happening. In the meantime, the end of ‘Badlands’ set up another ‘Predator’ moviethe film itself firmly connecting to the “Alien” franchise and, as such, paving the way for (potentially) a more extensive cinematic crossover.

Again, Disney has not confirmed any new installments in the “Predator” franchise as of this writing, but if it wants to continue to capitalize on these specific threads, those plans could depend on Trachtenberg’s availability. Perhaps he could continue as a producer, but his role in the franchise would, at the very least, be diminished.

Dan Trachtenberg had somehow established himself as the “Predator” whisperer. Across three very different projects, he achieved a high level of success within a franchise that previously had an up-and-down reputation, with most sequels living in the shadow of the original 1987 action/sci-fi classic “Predator” with Arnold Schwarzenegger. But that is no longer the case.

It’s also worth noting that “Predator: Badlands” grossed $185 million at the worldwide box office and is now the highest-grossing “Predator” film of all time (having surpassed the then-modest success that was 2004’s “Alien vs. Predator”). The problem ? “Badlands” had a budget of $105 million, meaning that once theaters took their cut, the film was far from profitable, at least theatrically. It may well have made money once you factor in VOD, streaming, etc., but it’s not a complete success.

Is it possible that Disney is simply content to move away from Trachtenberg’s version of this universe? Joshua Wassung co-directed “Predator: Killer of Killers.” Maybe Disney could lean on him more if they want to explore a sequel to this and just take things in a different direction from here on out. In related news, ‘Alien: Romulus’ director Fede Álvarez has announced that he will not direct the sequel (which is actually in preparation). Perhaps Disney could woo him to be the lead architect of the inevitable “Alien vs. Predator” crossover event?

Basically, the Mouse House has options, and there are a lot of things to consider. It’s highly unlikely that this will completely put the “Predator” franchise to bed, but it also can’t claim that Trachtenberg is easily replaceable. He demonstrated a serious understanding of how to approach this universe in a way that really resonated with fans. Those are big shoes to fill.