Predator returns with Dan Trachtenberg's Badlands and Prey 2

In 2022, the Predator franchise returned with Dan Trachtenberg's critically acclaimed Prey, which served as a prequel to the first four movies. Trachtenberg, who was previously best known for his 2016 movie 10 Cloverfield Lane, is a fantastic director who impressed both diehard fans and new fans of the Predator series with his installment. Now, according to Deadline, 20th Century Fox has invited him back to helm more movies in the classic sci-fi franchise. One of which is Badlands.

Dan Trachtenberg returns to Predator franchise with multiple movies

Badlands is reportedly a standalone film in the Predator franchise, meaning we shouldn't expect it to live in the mainline series. Plot details have not been revealed yet, but of course, you can expect the Predator to take center stage. Other than that, we do not know what time period Badlands will take place in or who the extraterrestrial species will be hunting.

But while we have limited details about Badlands right now, that'll likely change in the coming months. Deadline says the movie is "a high priority" for 20th Century Fox, and filming is set to begin later this year. Though no actors have been cast yet, the report says Trachtenberg and studio executives are already starting to meet with actors to play the lead.

In addition to this exciting news, Trachtenberg is also helming a sequel to Prey, currently titled Prey 2, with Amber Midthunder possibly returning. Midthunder was a standout in the 2022 film and fans of the franchise would no doubt love to see her reprise her role. Similar to Badlands, plot details around Prey 2 are scarce, but we can at least speculate it'll take place in the Northern Great Plains during the 18th century, like the first Prey.

There's a lot to be excited for as a Predator fan, and Trachtenberg is clearly booked and busy now. Apart from his involvement in the sci-fi series, he's also joined Stranger Things season 5 to direct one episode. It's great to see him get the recognition he deserves!

Stay tuned for more news regarding the Predator franchise; I'm sure we'll hear of castings for Badlands sooner than later!