Taking the reins of a beloved franchise is no small feat, but reviving a struggling one is an even taller order. That was the challenge Dan Trachtenberg faced when he stepped into the Predator universe, aiming to restore its former glory and introduce it to a new generation. He kicked things off with Prey in 2022, which snagged two Critics' Choice Awards, followed by the animated Predator: Killer of Killers last year. But his most ambitious undertaking came later that year with Predator: Badlands.
While Predator: Badlands didn't exactly light up the box office—pulling in $184.6 million against a $105 million budget—it was a hit with both critics and audiences, earning an 86% critics' score and a 94% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. After three films, it's clear the franchise is in creatively fresh and exciting hands with Trachtenberg, a freshness that was evident from his 2016 debut, 10 Cloverfield Lane.
Though it flew under the radar compared to his later work, 10 Cloverfield Lane saw Trachtenberg take charge of another franchise following the success of 2008's Cloverfield. Unlike Predator: Badlands, this one was a box office triumph, turning a modest $15 million budget into $108 million worldwide. The story follows Michelle (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), who wakes up in a bunker with Howard (John Goodman), a man who insists the outside world has been devastated by an alien attack. It's a taut, nerve-wracking thriller that keeps you guessing until the very end.
If you're a fan of Trachtenberg's Predator work but haven't seen his debut, you're in luck—10 Cloverfield Lane is now streaming on Paramount+ this August. It's the perfect opportunity to see where his signature tension and world-building began.
Trachtenberg's Sci-Fi Credentials Extend Beyond Film
Trachtenberg hasn't just flexed his sci-fi muscles on the big screen. In 2016, he directed the Season 3 episode of Black Mirror titled "Playtest," which follows an American traveler (Wyatt Russell) who signs up to test a revolutionary video game for some quick cash. But when the game starts blurring the line between reality and nightmare, his sanity begins to unravel. It's a chilling, mind-bending episode that stands out in the series' impressive catalog.
For those who enjoy Trachtenberg's knack for psychological tension, 10 Cloverfield Lane is a must-watch. It's a masterclass in building suspense within a confined space, and it's now available to stream. If you're looking for more sci-fi thrills, check out our list of 2026's top sci-fi TV shows for more recommendations.
And if you're a fan of the Cloverfield universe, you might also want to revisit the original film, which is now streaming on Paramount+ as well. It's a great double feature with 10 Cloverfield Lane.
So, whether you're a longtime fan or new to Trachtenberg's work, make sure to catch 10 Cloverfield Lane on Paramount+ this month. It's a gripping, smartly crafted sci-fi horror that proves Trachtenberg is one of the most exciting directors working today.
