Director Dan Trachtenberg Helms New 'Predator: Badlands' Movie Set in the Future, Following Emmy-Nominated 'Prey' Success

A new standalone "Predator" movie, titled "Badlands," is in development at 20th Century Studios, with director Dan Trachtenberg at the helm. While plot details are currently undisclosed, the film is set in the future and is scheduled to begin production this year.

Trachtenberg, known for his 2022 "Predator" prequel "Prey," received an Emmy nomination for the film. "Prey" follows Naru, a skilled warrior of the Comanche Nation, as she protects her people from a mysterious threat. Variety's Owen Gleiberman praised the film's competence and pacing, noting the emotional coherence brought by Naru's journey.

Hulu reported "Prey" as its biggest-ever premiere in 2022, earning the most viewing hours in its first three days among all TV series and movies. The release plan for "Badlands" remains unclear, as it's unknown if it will follow a similar streaming release or debut in theaters.

Apart from "Badlands," Trachtenberg is set to direct the fifth and final season of "Stranger Things." His previous works include "10 Cloverfield Lane," the pilot for "The Boys," and "Black Mirror: Playtest."

The original "Predator" film, directed by John McTiernan, was released in 1987, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Carl Weathers, and Jesse Ventura. It led to three sequels: "Predator 2" (1990), "Predators" (2010), and "The Predator" (2018).