Dan Trachtenberg Reveals the Next ‘Predator’ Film Will Follow the Shocking Return of a Fan-Favorite Hero

The Predator franchise is set to take a bold step forward with the return of Naru, the fierce Comanche warrior from the 2022 hit Prey. Director Dan Trachtenberg has revealed plans to continue Naru’s story in a future film, marking the first time a main character will reappear in a Predator sequel.

Played by Amber Midthunder, Naru captured audiences with her cunning and bravery, and now her journey is poised to grow even bigger.

In a recent interview, Trachtenberg shared that he had always envisioned more for Naru after Prey. “I had a bunch of big ideas when I finished Prey,” he told Fangoria. “There’s definitely a plan in mind, but the movie has to do well. So, we’ll see.”

He hinted at a third chapter for Naru, saying, “The third story, which I can’t speak to yet, is what would happen with Naru.”

Set in 1719, Prey followed Naru as she fought to prove herself as a hunter in her tribe, only to face a deadly Predator, known in Comanche lore as Mupitsi. Her victory came through quick thinking and resourcefulness, blending historical drama with sci-fi thrills. The film’s animated credits teased more danger, showing Predator ships descending on her tribe.

Naru’s story took an unexpected turn in the animated film Predator: Killer of Killers, now streaming on Hulu and Disney+. The movie features short tales of warriors battling Yautja (Predators) across history, from Viking eras to World War II. In a shocking twist, Naru appeared at the end, trapped in a cryo pod on a Yautja planet, captured after her Prey victory.

Trachtenberg clarified the setup: “They are not time traveling. That is the benefit of the cryo pod—they are plucked from their time period and then put into stasis and then unleashed when decided upon for that evening’s delightful entertainment.” This reveals Predators collect skilled human fighters, like Naru, for future battles, adding a dark new layer to Prey’s ending.

This twist ties into Trachtenberg’s vision for a more connected Predator universe. “The fun is that now we have the end of Prey set up something, and then there’s this, and I love the slow play of it all,” he said. Naru’s capture opens endless possibilities—perhaps she’ll fight on the Predator homeworld or lead warriors from different eras.

Before Naru’s next chapter, another Predator film, Predator: Badlands, hits theaters on November 7, 2025. Set in the distant future, it stars Elle Fanning as Thia, a Weyland-Yutani android, and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi as Dek, a disgraced Predator. The survival tale will focus on their struggle, with the Predator as a central character. Naru won’t appear, but Trachtenberg said her sequel depends on Badlands’ success.

Midthunder is eager to return. “I don’t know what’s happening. I genuinely don’t,” she told ScreenRant. “I also want to do another one.

I would be happy to do another one. I love Dan Trachtenberg with my whole heart. I love that world, I love that character, and I think that there’s some fun ideas out there that I’ve heard that are very cool.” She added, “I’m ready. I loved that experience. I love that movie. And I would be happy to, you know, see where else we can take it.”

Trachtenberg, who oversaw Killer of Killers while shooting Badlands in New Zealand, aims to return to the franchise’s roots, humans outwitting a superior foe. The cryo pod concept, described as a “warehouse full of champions,” could even bring back past heroes like Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Dutch from the 1987 original, though nothing is confirmed.

While a Prey sequel awaits approval, fan excitement and Trachtenberg’s clear passion suggest Naru’s fight is far from over. As he builds a richer Predator saga, her return could redefine the series.

Naru’s return is an exciting move for the Predator franchise, which has often struggled to find fresh ideas. Her story in Prey was a standout, blending cultural depth with raw survival. The cryo pod twist opens thrilling possibilities, but I hope Trachtenberg keeps the focus on Naru’s grit rather than overcomplicating the plot with too many time-jumped warriors. What do you think about Naru’s return and the new direction for Predator? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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