Ever wondered why the Predator franchise keeps resurrecting itself from the ashes of box office disappointments, only to deliver surprises that leave fans buzzing? Well, prepare to dive into the wild story behind Dan Trachtenberg's latest gamble, which flips the script on what we've come to expect from these alien hunters. But here's where it gets controversial: Is this bold new direction a game-changer, or could it alienate the die-hard fans who crave more human-led showdowns? Let's unpack it all, step by step, so even newcomers to the saga can follow along without getting lost in the jungle.
The Predator series has never exactly lit up the cinemas with record-breaking ticket sales. Back in 1987, John McTiernan's original film managed to snag the 12th spot for domestic earnings that year, which sounds impressive until you realize we're lumping it in the same category as movies like 'Stakeout' and 'The Secret of My Success.' Those aren't exactly the benchmarks most people have in mind when they think of a true blockbuster hit. Then came Stephen Hopkins' 'Predator 2' in 1990, which stumbled to a mere $31 million at home— that's actually $8 million short of what John Patrick Shanley's 'Joe Versus the Volcano' raked in, a film often dubbed a total studio flop. I mean, seriously, it seemed like the end of the line for those intricately crafted Stan Winston creatures, unless Arnold Schwarzenegger decided to suit up again.
But the franchise refused to stay buried. A few factors kept it simmering in the background, ready for a comeback. Sure, we didn't see Predators stalking the silver screen again until 2004 with Paul W.S. Anderson's lackluster 'Alien vs. Predator,' but Dark Horse Comics went all-in on comic book expansions during the 1990s, building up that all-important geek street cred. More crucially, McTiernan's first film became a syndication staple, eventually earning its stripes as one of the finest American action flicks of its time. Even 'Predator 2' carved out a niche following, thanks to its gritty, over-the-top urban violence and a charismatic team of actors—though the drop-off in quality from McTiernan to Hopkins was pretty glaring. And this is the part most people miss: It's not just about big explosions; these films evolved through cult status and rewatch value, proving that longevity in entertainment isn't always about immediate profits.
Fast-forward through a string of entries like the uneven 'AVP' sequels, the uninspired 'Predators,' and Shane Black's troubled 'The Predator'—each one trying to recapture that magic but often falling short. Then, in 2022, Dan Trachtenberg stepped into the spotlight with 'Prey,' which many hail as the best Predator outing since the very first. Featuring Amber Midthunder as Naru, a resourceful Comanche warrior who outsmarts a Predator using 18th-century ingenuity, it turned out to be a streaming sensation. But Trachtenberg, caught off guard by the rave reviews, admitted in the October 2025 issue of SFX Magazine that he dreaded the inevitable sequel pitch. He wanted to shake things up, not just repeat the formula.
As he explained to the magazine, the trap many sequels fall into is becoming mere echoes of the original's coolness, lacking their own spark. So, he brainstormed: 'If we're making another Predator film, what fresh ground can we cover?' The answer? Flip the perspective entirely. Imagine a Predator story where the alien hunter isn't the villain—it's the main character. To clarify for anyone scratching their heads, this isn't just a fleeting glimpse like in 'The Predator,' where we saw a bit of the creature's world. No, this is full-on, with a scrappy, underdog Predator as the star. And get this: They're teaming it up with the talented Elle Fanning, who plays a complex role as both ally and adversary. It sounds like a recipe for cinematic gold, building on the hype from 'Prey' and proving that, after years of missteps, the franchise has finally found a director who gets its essence. If you're curious for more, check out our deep-dive chat with Trachtenberg after 'Predator: Killer of Killers'—it's enlightening stuff.
But wait, here's the controversial twist: Some might argue this is a brilliant evolution, expanding the universe and challenging our loyalties—do we root for the hunter or the hunted? Others could see it as a divisive risk, potentially diluting the franchise's roots in human heroism. For example, think about how 'Predator' has always been about underdogs fighting overwhelming odds; making the alien the hero might feel like a betrayal to fans who loved Naru's triumph. What do you think? Is this innovation a stroke of genius that could redefine sci-fi action, or a risky bet that might fracture the fanbase? Do you prefer the Predator as a menace or a protagonist? Sound off in the comments—agree, disagree, or offer your own wild ideas on where the franchise should go next. 'Predator: Badlands' hits theaters on November 7, 2025, so let's debate before you hit the multiplex!
