Predator: Badlands' Dan Trachtenberg turns heat vision toward Sleeping Beauty

Dan Trachtenberg, known for directing two of the best Predator sequels, is shifting his focus from the jungle to the magical world of Disney. According to Deadline, Trachtenberg will helm an original project based on Sleeping Beauty, a move that could take him in an entirely new direction. While it may seem unusual for a director famous for movies featuring lethal extraterrestrials and their allies, Trachtenberg's unique style is expected to shine through.

Trachtenberg, who penned Prey and Predator: Badlands, is teaming up with TV writer Rayna McClendon and writers Alex Anfanger and Dan Schimpf from Big Time in Hollywood Florida to develop the script. Currently, the project isn't part of the Maleficent franchise, which has produced two successful movies, Maleficent (2014) and Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019).

As of now, it's unclear what this new Sleeping Beauty adaptation entails, but Trachtenberg's previous works and connections to Paramount suggest that this could be a surprise in the making. Following his work on the Predator series, Trachtenberg has signed a first-look deal with Paramount, where he's currently developing an adaptation of the kid-friendly horror comic Freddy The 13th. This PG-13 horror film, with its wholesome scares and laughs, shows Trachtenberg's inclination towards family-friendly content.