Hold your breath, Predator fans! The news that director Dan Trachtenberg has signed a new deal with Paramount might have you thinking the iconic alien hunter's future is in jeopardy, but is it really?
After a string of three incredibly successful Predator films, the anticipation for what Dan Trachtenberg might cook up next for the franchise is palpable. Whispers of potential crossovers with the Alien universe or the triumphant return of beloved characters have been swirling. However, the recent announcement that Trachtenberg has inked a first-look deal with Paramount has understandably raised some eyebrows. Since Disney currently holds the rights to the Predator franchise, this new partnership with Paramount could seem like a nail in the coffin for any future Predator endeavors. But is that the whole story?
In a recent conversation with io9, Trachtenberg addressed this very concern while discussing the upcoming home release of Predator: Badlands. When asked directly if his new Paramount deal spells the end for his involvement with Predator, he offered a resounding "It does not mean that."
Trachtenberg elaborated, revealing that he is actively and simultaneously charting the course for the Predator franchise's next steps. He described his current state as being similar to the period just before Prey was released, a time filled with immense creative excitement. He shared, "I was like, ‘What do I do next?’ and got very excited about a Predator protagonist and got very excited about an animated movie with multiple time periods, and then they just happened to go at the same time. And so that’s where I’m at with Predator now, is, ‘Oh my God, there are so many exciting things we can do.’"
He further emphasized his commitment to both projects: "But also now I have this deal at Paramount where I’m thrilled, and they are thrilled to make some of the original movies that I’ve always had in my head and heart. And of course, they also have very cool IP and all that. You know, timing may affect certain things, but both things are in my heart… Anything’s on the table."
So, take a deep sigh of relief, fellow Predator enthusiasts! The fact that Trachtenberg is now affiliated with Paramount, the studio behind franchises like Transformers, G.I. Joe, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Cloverfield, does not signify the end of the Predator saga. It simply suggests that its return might require a little more patience.
Here's where things get interesting: Trachtenberg mentions having "original movies that I’ve always had in my head and heart" for Paramount. Could these be entirely new IPs, or might they even be connected to existing Paramount properties in unexpected ways? This is the part that truly sparks debate. While the Predator franchise is owned by Disney, Trachtenberg's ability to work on it concurrently with his Paramount deal is a testament to creative flexibility. But does this mean we could see a Predator film with a different studio's branding, or is there a more complex licensing agreement at play? What are your thoughts on this creative juggling act? Do you believe Trachtenberg can truly deliver on multiple fronts, or is this a recipe for diluted efforts? Share your opinions in the comments below – we'd love to hear your take!
