Why Disney Is Making A Brand New Predator Movie Before Prey 2

Summary

• Disney is working on a new
  Predator
  movie called
  Badlands
  , which is further along in development than
  Prey 2
  .
• The success of
  Prey
  on Hulu reignited interest in the
  Predator
  franchise, prompting Disney to expand the franchise and prioritize its upcoming projects.
• Disney wants Dan Trachtenberg to oversee the growing
  Predator
  franchise, and the release of
  Badlands
  and
  Prey 2
  will determine if the studio is headed in the right direction.

A new, future-set Predator movie is in the works at Disney, and its announcement may raise some questions about why the studio is making this film before Prey 2. Prey reignited interest in the Predator franchise after its Hulu release back in 2022, and the film proved a hit, setting up two potential Predator sequels in the process. Its success on the streaming platform also spawned the now-confirmed Prey 2, a sequel that’s been highly anticipated since the first film’s release.

Given the excitement surrounding Prey 2, it’s somewhat surprising that Dan Trachtenberg’s newly announced Predator movie — set in the future and dubbed Badlands — will arrive before the sequel. However, there’s a simple explanation for why Disney is making its standalone Predator project before Prey 2. And with both on the horizon, viewers will still have plenty to look forward to regardless of what order they come out in.

Dan Trachtenberg’s New Predator Movie Is Further Along In Development Than Prey 2

The reason Trachtenberg’s new Predator movie is coming out before Prey 2 is because it’s further along in development. Per Deadline, Badlands is one of 20th Century Fox’s biggest priorities at the moment. As such, the studio has already made progress on the standalone film. Trachtenberg and Patrick Aison have already written the script, and the director is in the process of locating actors who could play the lead. By contrast, even though Prey 2 is reportedly in development as well, it’s not as far along in the process.

According to Deadline, there’s currently no talent confirmed for Prey 2, though it’s possible that Amber Midthunder will return as Naru. Those anticipating Badlands can also expect a female lead, so it seems the standalone movie is learning from Prey‘s success. And these two films aren’t the only projects Prey‘s record-breaking release on Hulu has prompted; as it turns out, Disney is planning to dig even further into its Predator franchise.

Expanding The Predator Franchise Is A Priority For Disney

Regardless of their release order, Badlands and Prey 2 are both priorities for Disney, as the studio is committed to expanding the Predator franchise overall. Deadline revealed as much in its report, which noted that Disney wants Trachtenberg to oversee the growing franchise. This is big news for fans of Prey, which served as a promising endorsement of Trachtenberg’s ability to revitalize the story. His new Predator movie and Prey 2 will confirm whether Disney’s headed in the right direction with the sci-fi horror property. If its plans are successful, it could mark a turning point for the franchise and studio.

Source: Deadline