What’s Up with Dan Trachtenberg?

So, we caught up with Dan Trachtenberg over Zoom, and let me tell you, the vibe was positive! He was buzzing about some upcoming projects, especially after that chat with Den of Geek last fall. At that point, he was still biting his nails about how audiences would react to the latest addition to the Predator saga, Predator: Badlands. Spoiler alert: He was a bit freaked out!

A Box Office Smash!

Turns out all his worries were for nothing! Viewers loved it, and he felt a wave of relief wash over him—kind of like finding a forgotten cookie at the bottom of the jar. Not only did Predator: Badlands crush it with a $40 million opening weekend, it also took the crown for the franchise’s highest-grossing film at $185 million worldwide. Talk about success, right?

What’s Next for Trachtenberg?

Now, here’s the juicy part: Dan has signed a first-look deal with Paramount Pictures! Yes, the studio that brought us cinematic delights back in 2016 with 10 Cloverfield Lane. He’s buzzing about what might come next—no spoilers, but there’s chatter about the future of both Predators and the robots they hang out with!

Original Ideas and More Franchises

“All things are true,” he says (which sounds mysterious, am I right?). He’s developing original stories as well as rummaging through Paramount’s back catalog to see what kind of old-school franchises might get a fresh twist. Who doesn’t love a good nostalgic nod?

More Predator Fun!

Don’t worry, he’s not leaving the Predator universe! He’s still collaborating with 20th Century Studios/Disney and has some delightful ideas brewing. Imagine the rascally Yautja short king Dek and his mechanical sweetheart Thia crossing paths with Naru from Prey—now that’s a crossover that could raise some eyebrows!

My My, Arnold’s Coming Back?

Hold onto your hats! There’s even a hint that we might see a return of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s iconic character, Dutch! Dan tantalizingly teased this mention while discussing what might happen next for all the characters in Badlands. Intrigued? You better be!

What’s Cooking Behind the Scenes?

Dan’s still basking in the glow of making a film that shook up the old-school 80s action flick vibe, turning things upside down. Picture this—a ferocious alien monster juxtaposed with a scene straight out of The Wizard of Oz. Yes, you read that right! Imagine Dek finding a half-bisected Thia asking for legs. Hilarious and somehow heartwarming, right?

Fear and Excitement on Set

Dan recalls the mix of excitement and fear while filming. It’s like walking a tightrope with no safety net underneath! Howard the Duck vibes were in the air, and he had that chilling thought: “What if this goes hilariously wrong?” Luckily, it seems like he’s hit the jackpot instead.

Mark Your Calendars!

For those jingling with anticipation, Predator: Badlands is heading to Hulu on Thursday, February 12, and will also be available on 4K Blu-ray and home media on February 17. Get ready for some thrilling intergalactic antics!