Shane Black: Dan Trachtenberg Saved the Predator Franchise

Metaverse Planet October 5, 2025Last Updated: October 5, 2025

1 minute read

Shane Black thanked Dan Trachtenberg for reviving the Predator franchise. Black said Trachtenberg “saved” the series with the film Prey and expressed his excitement for the upcoming Predator: Badlands.

Shane Black, who has made his mark in Hollywood as both an actor and director, praised Dan Trachtenberg, whom he believes has saved the future of the Predator franchise. Black played the character Hawkins in the original 1987 Predator film and later shaped his career as a screenwriter and director.

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Brief Notes from His Career

Over the years, Black has been behind many unforgettable projects. He is the creator of the Lethal Weapon series, writer of The Monster Squad and The Long Kiss Good-Night, and also the director of Iron Man 3. However, The Predator, which he both wrote and directed in 2018, failed to meet expectations and disappointed fans.

Trachtenberg’s Contribution

Black is currently attempting a comeback with his new thriller, Play Dirty. However, he emphasizes that Dan Trachtenberg is the one who truly revived the Predator universe. Trachtenberg earned widespread acclaim with the film Prey and is now continuing to steer the series with the projects Predator: Killer of Killers and Predator: Badlands, which are set for release in 2025.

In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, Black said:

“Dan Trachtenberg saved this franchise. His craftsmanship is impeccable. When I watched Prey, all I could say was, ‘Hats off, sir.’ He really took a mythological approach. Now I’m following what he’s going to do next with the excitement of an audience member. I’m happy this series is still alive. It’s in the right hands for now.”