<figure class="wp-caption alignleft" id="attachment_172113" style="width: 350px;"><figcaption class="wp-caption-text" id="caption-attachment-172113">Dan Trachtenberg on the set of 20th Century Studios’ PREDATOR: BADLANDS film. Photo by Nicola Dove. © 2024 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.</figcaption></figure>

Dan Trachtenberg joined the Predator franchise with Prey (2022) and with Predator: Badlands (2025) he is now deeply involved in shaping this modern era of the series. He also has “story by” credits on all three of his installments, establishing him as one of the leading creative forces guiding the direction of the franchise.

Dan Trachtenberg has directed three major projects in the Predator universe including Prey (2022) Predator: Killer of Killers (2025) and Predator: Badlands (2025). Each installment has helped redefine the series with bold storytelling atmospheric world building and a fresh creative perspective that has resonated with longtime fans and critics alike.

How Dan Trachtenberg’s Creative Vision Evolved

Across these projects Trachtenberg has focused on grounding the franchise with character driven narratives immersive period settings and a renewed emphasis on tension and suspense. His approach has helped the Predator series connect with modern audiences while respecting the elements that made the original 1987 film a genre defining classic.

Click on the media bar below to hear Dan Trachtenberg explain what inspires his take on Predator.

How Dan Trachtenberg Fits Into The Legacy Of The Predator Franchise

Since its 1987 debut the Predator series has evolved from a sci fi action classic into a long running universe that spans sequels prequels crossovers and reimagined stories. The lore began with Arnold Schwarzenegger’s original film followed by Predator 2 and later Predators (2010) which introduced a new “game reserve” world and expanded the mythology surrounding the Yautja hunters.

The franchise also ventured into crossover territory with Alien vs Predator (2004) and AVP Requiem (2007) introducing the alien hunters to a new generation. In 2018 the series received another reboot with Shane Black’s The Predator a modern entry that experimented with tone and lore.

But it was Prey that marked a major turning point. Trachtenberg’s grounded character first approach reinvigorated the franchise drawing praise for its tension world building and inventive reimagining of the Predator mythos. He continues that momentum with Predator: Badlands steering the series toward atmosphere storytelling and a more intimate sense of danger.

Now Playing

Predator: Badlands is now playing in theaters.

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