The Birth of “Prey”: How Childhood Memories Shaped Dan Trachtenberg’s Take on Predator
In the ever-evolving world of cinema, revisiting franchises is a delicate task. The Predator series, iconic in its narrative of man versus beast, saw a resurgence with Dan Trachtenberg’s 2022 film, Prey. This fresh installment pays homage to the original while also paving its own path, with Trachtenberg weaving in unique influences that stem from his personal experiences.
The Tale of a Childhood Memory
Young Trachtenberg wasn’t permitted to watch the original “Predator” due to its R-rating, but a carpool ride with older kids recounting the film planted the early seeds of what would become his own interpretation. Recalling that fateful journey, Trachtenberg said:
“I was in third grade… and all the sixth graders had seen “Predator” and described the entire movie to me on the way to the tournament. I distinctly remember them saying, “There’s an awesome scene where Billy, the Native American tracker, stops on a bridge over a waterfall and cuts himself and fights the Predator.”
The described scene, however, didn’t quite align with the actual movie. In reality, “Billy cut himself and then he screams off-camera.” But this variation in the story, combined with Trachtenberg’s vivid imagination, set the stage for the birth of Prey.
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Rekindling the Essence of Predator
While 1987’s Predator became a landmark in sci-fi, its subsequent sequels had their shares of highs and lows. Many failed to capture the essence that made the original such a hit, opting for over-the-top effects and plot diversions, diluting the core hunter-prey dynamic.
With Prey, Trachtenberg’s vision diverged from this pattern. Instead of amping up with bigger threats, multiple Predators, or even introducing an upgraded “Ultimate Predator”, he embraced the simplistic yet powerful ethos of the original. Trachtenberg’s film didn’t fall into the lure of modern excess but focused on the essence of what made the Predator storyline so engaging in the first place.
Reigniting the Predator Flame
Despite the dwindling reception of many Predator sequels, Prey stands out. Trachtenberg’s ability to rekindle interest in the Predator saga reflects his respect for the original combined with a unique storytelling perspective. His talent in intertwining the old with the new, backed by genuine passion and innovation, has successfully pulled the Predator franchise back from the brink. Now, as whispers of a Prey 2 circulate, fans are hopeful that Trachtenberg’s approach will continue to invigorate future chapters of this iconic series.
