Fans of the Predator franchise are left contemplating its future following reports that director Dan Trachtenberg is working on a new movie for Disney inspired by Sleeping Beauty. Trachtenberg, who was instrumental in the successful revitalization of the Predator series with the critically acclaimed Prey and the subsequent films Predator: Killer of Killers and Predator: Badlands, is in the initial stages of developing a fresh take on the classic fairy tale.
This new project, detailed by Deadline, raises questions about Trachtenberg's involvement with future Predator installments. He is also rumored to be in pre-production for an undisclosed film at Paramount, though neither project has a confirmed release window.
Both Predator: Killer of Killers and Predator: Badlands concluded with narrative threads that suggested potential sequels. Predator: Badlands, in particular, ended on a cliffhanger that has fueled speculation among fans about the direction of the series. Furthermore, an extended cut of Predator: Killer of Killers featured Arnold Schwarzenegger's character Dutch alongside Danny Glover's Mike Harrigan, seemingly setting the stage for their potential return in a future film or television series.
Predator: Badlands achieved significant box office success, grossing $183 million worldwide and officially becoming the highest-grossing film in the franchise to date, not accounting for inflation. However, its failure to surpass the $200 million mark, when factoring in production, marketing, and theater revenue shares, has made the prospect of a direct sequel uncertain.
The original Predator, released in 1987 and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, established the franchise's roots in sci-fi horror. Predator: Badlands marked a departure, leaning more into mainstream sci-fi action and featuring the Predator as the protagonist. The film introduced a new Yautja named Dek, who seeks to prove himself by hunting a monster, and included a crossover element with Elle Fanning's character Thia, a Weyland-Yutani synth, hinting at connections to the Alien universe.
Trachtenberg has previously stated his intention to make each Predator film a self-contained story, drawing a lesson from the interconnected nature of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He told Variety that while creative possibilities exist for future connections, it's crucial that each individual film stands on its own merit and provides a satisfying experience for the audience.
In March, Arnold Schwarzenegger indicated that 20th Century Studios was exploring possibilities for Conan 3, Commando 2, and a new Predator movie, with him potentially starring in all three. Schwarzenegger had also mentioned discussions with Trachtenberg about reprising his role as Dutch, though no further updates have emerged on this front.