The success of Dan Trachtenberg’s 2022 film “Prey” has sparked renewed interest in the “Predator” franchise, prompting 20th Century Studios to hand the reins over to Trachtenberg. He co-wrote and co-directed the upcoming animated movie “Predator: Killer of Killers,” set to premiere on Hulu on June 6, and is also directing another film, “Predator: Badlands,” slated for release in November 2025 which will feature a young Predator as the central character.
In discussions about “Killer of Killers,” Trachtenberg cited the ensemble comedy “Best in Show” as an influence. He admired how the film allows viewers to bond with multiple characters without rooting for a single protagonist to win, which mirrors the narrative structure he aims to achieve in his animated project. The film will follow three diverse characters from different historical epochs—a Viking raider, a Japanese nobleman, and a World War II pilot—each facing a Predator in their respective times.
Trachtenberg mentioned that the animation techniques used in “Killer of Killers” have been largely inspired by Netflix’s acclaimed “Arcane.” However, the special feature of this production is its use of Unreal Engine for animation, which allows for a unique visual style. Key talent from “Arcane,” including head of character animation Steven J. Meyer, contributed to the project.
Moreover, Trachtenberg revealed that the classic anime “Akira” had a significant emotional impact on him during his childhood, shaping his desire to create an animated film that captures intense action and deep emotional themes. He noted that animation allows for more inventive storytelling, especially in depicting action sequences that may seem far-fetched in live action.
With “Predator: Killer of Killers” set for release soon, anticipation is high for how Trachtenberg will blend the franchise’s established lore with fresh storytelling and creative animation. This artistic approach is expected to both excite long-time fans and introduce new audiences to the franchise.
It’s a promising time for “Predator” enthusiasts, as the revival of interest could also lead to more innovative projects in the future.