Predator Franchise’s Remarkable Comeback Under Dan Trachtenberg’s Direction

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Let me tell you, looking back, the Predator series is genuinely impressive. The original, released way back in 1987, still stands up as one of the most exciting and just plain fun sci-fi action movies of the eighties – and that’s a decade packed with great ones!

While the original Predator was a hit, the following movies in the series didn’t live up to its standard. Although a few were decent films, they didn’t always succeed at the box office or get the attention they deserved. The franchise had largely stalled until a 2022 prequel revitalized it.

The Predator Franchise Was In Trouble Before Dan Trachtenberg Came Along

Though the original Predator was a big hit in 1987, its sequel, Predator 2, didn’t do well in theaters and received poor reviews. While it’s gained a dedicated following over time, that didn’t rescue the series when it was first released. An attempt to combine Predator with the Alien franchise also didn’t succeed.

Despite being a fun and action-packed movie with a great cast and earning over $125 million, 2010’s Predators received mixed reviews and didn’t leave a lasting impression on audiences. While commercially successful in some ways, it didn’t become a cultural phenomenon.

In 2018, they tried to revive the series with The Predator, but it was the most poorly received film in the Predator franchise. Despite the negative reactions, it still earned about $160 million, suggesting there was audience interest in the movie.

Honestly, by that time, the series had disappointed critics more often than it had impressed them, and it really seemed like we’d seen the last of it. It felt like the whole thing was sinking fast, with no hope of a comeback.

Dan Trachtenberg Did Incredible Work With Prey

Suddenly, the series made a surprising comeback. Dan Trachtenberg, the director known for the popular film 10 Cloverfield Lane, took charge and released Prey, a new movie set in the 1700s that tells an earlier story in the franchise.

Many consider the latest Predator film, Prey, to be the strongest in the series. Its unique historical setting felt fresh, and it introduced a compelling new lead character, Naru, played by Amber Midthunder. The movie brilliantly portrays Naru, a Comanche warrior, as she fights to prove her skills both within her tribe and against the dangerous Predator.

Beyond a compelling main character, director Dan Trachtenberg’s vision and approach truly revitalized the Predator series. It’s clear he had a deep appreciation for the franchise and knew how to make it feel fresh again. Prey was just the first step in what promises to be a great contribution from Trachtenberg.

Predator: Killer Of Killers Was A Perfect Follow-Up To Prey

Following the positive reception of Prey, the next Predator film, Predator: Killer of Killers, was released with minimal promotion, again debuting on Hulu. Despite the low-key launch, viewers who watched it found it to be a worthwhile addition to the series.

Surprisingly, Predator: Killer of Killers actually received higher ratings on Rotten Tomatoes than both the original Predator movie and Prey. Many people missed it because it’s an animated film, but that’s precisely what made it so successful. Animation gave the filmmakers a level of creative freedom they wouldn’t have had with live-action.

Predator: Killer of Killers jumps across different eras, showcasing various fighters battling Predators. Ultimately, these warriors are brought to an alien world by other Predators for an ultimate clash. The animation, story, and action were all excellent, and the unexpected appearances of familiar characters at the end expanded the Predator universe.

Predator: Badlands Looks Like It’ll Continue The Franchise’s Upward Trend

I’m really excited! So, Dan Trachtenberg, who did Predator: Killer of Killers, is directing another Predator movie – his third! This one’s a big deal because it’s the first one that’s actually going to be shown in movie theaters. And it’s cool that he’s switching things up a bit – this time, Predator: Badlands will be set in the future, which is a first for him in this series.

The new Predator film, Predator: Badlands, is scheduled for release on November 7, 2025. Details are still limited, but it appears to be building on the recent positive reception of the franchise. The story follows a lone Predator who teams up with a surprising companion: a synthetic human created by the Weyland-Yutani corporation.

The new installment cleverly connects back to the original Alien films without feeling repetitive, and Elle Fanning’s acting is shaping up to be among the strongest performances in the franchise. Considering director Trachtenberg’s previous successes, Predator: Badlands has a good chance of being another win for him.

Other Franchises Haven’t Been Able To Rediscover The Magic

It’s unusual for a movie series like Predator to stay popular long after its initial release. Many other successful action and sci-fi franchises haven’t been able to do the same. For example, The Terminator has attempted several revivals, but they haven’t been very successful.

The first two Terminator movies are considered classics, but the films that followed – from Terminator: Rise of the Machines through Terminator: Dark Fate and even the return of director James Cameron – haven’t lived up to the originals. The series just hasn’t been able to recreate the magic of the first two films.

The 1999 film The Matrix remains a beloved classic, but its sequels didn’t live up to expectations. Jurassic Park is considered one of Hollywood’s greatest films, but none of the subsequent movies have matched its brilliance. Even the Alien franchise, which includes the Predator series, has had its share of hits and misses.

As a huge movie fan, I’ve seen a lot of franchises try to recapture their former glory – think Die Hard, Halloween, Indiana Jones, even Pirates of the Caribbean. But honestly, Predator has done something really special. It’s not just back, it’s back with a real punch, and it feels more thrilling now than ever before.

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2025-10-26 22:30