Dan Trachtenberg's Predator Films Dominate Streaming Charts
Director Dan Trachtenberg has transformed the Predator franchise with two critically acclaimed films that are now topping digital platforms and streaming services nationwide.
Disney's acquisition of Fox sparked concerns among sci-fi fans about the future of beloved franchises like Alien and Predator. Those worries proved unfounded. The Alien series delivered Alien: Romulus and the upcoming Alien: Earth series. Meanwhile, Predator has experienced a remarkable renaissance under Dan Trachtenberg's direction.
Both Prey (2022) and Predator: Badlands are currently crushing streaming rankings across multiple platforms. Predator: Badlands sits at number one on Apple TV Store and tops Vudu's chart, while claiming the second spot on Amazon Store. Prey continues its winning streak on Tubi's free streaming service after generating massive viewership on Disney+ and Hulu.
Secret Development Pays Off
Trachtenberg operated in complete secrecy when developing Prey, much like his approach with 10 Cloverfield Lane. Disney kept the Predator revival under wraps until the film's announcement. The strategy worked brilliantly.
Prey earned a franchise-best 94% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, with audiences delivering a solid 74% rating. Amber Midthunder's breakout performance anchored the film, which transported viewers to the Comanche Nation 300 years ago.
The official synopsis reads: "Set in the Comanche Nation 300 years ago, Prey is the story of a young woman, Naru, a fierce and highly skilled warrior. She has been raised in the shadow of some of the most legendary hunters who roam the Great Plains, so when danger threatens her camp, she sets out to protect her people. The prey she stalks, and ultimately confronts, turns out to be a highly evolved alien predator with a technically advanced arsenal, resulting in a vicious and terrifying showdown between the two adversaries."
Breaking Convention Again
Trachtenberg refused to play it safe with Predator: Badlands. He flipped the script by making the Predator the protagonist while weaving in connections to the Alien universe through Elle Fanning's Weyland-Yutani android characters.
The sequel jumped from Prey's historical setting to a futuristic landscape. A young, banished Yautja named Dek crashes on a dangerous planet where survival means proving his hunting prowess. His unlikely partnership with android Thia creates the film's emotional center.
Box Office and Critical Success
Predator: Badlands received a full theatrical release, generating $184 mn worldwide. Critics awarded it an 86% Rotten Tomatoes score, while audiences pushed it to an impressive 95% rating.
The film's success guarantees more Predator content from Trachtenberg. Questions remain about his timeline and how many projects he's planning.
Predator: Badlands is available for purchase or rental on all major VOD platforms. Prey streams free on Tubi or with subscriptions on Hulu and Disney+. The complete Predator catalog is accessible through Hulu and Disney+ subscriptions.