This article covers a developing story. Continue to check back with us as we will be adding more information as it becomes available.
At San Diego Comic-Con, director Dan Trachtenberg discussed the potential for a new Alien vs. Predator film. The two franchises have captivated audiences for decades, and the infamous crossover film Alien vs. Predator from 2004 left a lasting impression, albeit a mixed one.
Trachtenberg has rapidly become a significant name in the Predator franchise, having launched his era with the acclaimed prequel Prey in 2022. Following that success, he has helmed Predator: Killer of Killers and is set to release Predator: Badlands this fall.
During the SDCC panel attended by ScreenRant, Trachtenberg candidly expressed the challenges of crafting a new crossover. He emphasized the intricate balance needed to avoid simply merging characters for the sake of fan service. His quote captures his vision:
“The next stop was like okay, Predator and a Robot. It will be a really human story, but it’s about a predator and a robot, creature and a robot. And then I thought, I know someone who makes robots. And so that was the Weyland-Yutani of it all. And that of course leads to even more cool ideas, but I think sometimes people that are dabbling in cinematic universes, there’s a seduction to grab all the action figures and smush them together. And I really didn’t want to do that, and I wanted to make sure that if we ever did something, it would be a little bit more elegant.
While Trachtenberg did not outright dismiss the possibility of directing another Alien vs. Predator, his response hinted at eagerness: “Wouldn’t it be cool? Wouldn’t it be cool.”
What This Means For The Alien Franchise
The First Alien vs. Predator Attempt Did Not Go Very Well
However, there’s reason to tread carefully when considering a new Alien vs. Predator film. The original crossover struggled critically, earning a mere 21% on the Tomatometer, making it one of the lower-rated films in both franchises. With such a disappointing reception, future crossovers could face uphill battles in terms of audience expectations.
Financially, Alien vs. Predator grossed $177.4 million globally, which, while profitable against its $60 million budget, pales in comparison to other entries in its respective franchises. There’s a lingering shadow cast over what a new film might achieve.
If Trachtenberg were to tackle a new installment, it’s clear he would strive for a more refined approach than what previous attempts may have offered. His vision seeks to enrich the narrative rather than simply create a spectacle devoid of substance. As the director continues to forge new paths for the Predator series, fans can only watch closely as he contemplates the potential revival of this iconic crossover. The anticipation grows, and further details are sure to emerge.
More to come…