Recently unveiled and set to premiere in 2025, Killer of Killers is an animated anthology film that takes audiences on a journey through various epochs of human history, featuring warriors battling formidable predators. This innovative project expands upon the 16th-century backdrop established in Prey, offering a more expansive narrative that broadens the Predator franchise’s horizons beyond its previous iterations.
Director Dan Trachtenberg shared insights during a recent Q&A following a preview of one of the film’s segments. The story centers on a Viking shield maiden whose quest for revenge is hindered by a Predator, promising to be both a visceral and captivating addition to the franchise. In discussions with the press, including representatives from Screen Rant, Trachtenberg elaborated on why Killer of Killers was conceived as a film rather than a television series and shared the creative challenges encountered while concurrently developing Predator: Badlands.
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Exploring Animation in Killer of Killers
“I’m Very Driven By Characters Who Are Trying To Break A Cycle”
Killer of Killers marks the inaugural animated entry in the acclaimed Predator series, which will also see a live-action installment, Predator: Badlands, debuting later in 2025. The film unfolds across three historical periods, allowing for diverse storytelling perspectives that showcase the Predator’s adaptability against Vikings, ninjas, and World War II pilots.
Trachtenberg emphasized that each narrative features unique challenges, enhancing the thrill: “It’s a really cool story,”he commented, mentioning that each character grapples with complex issues rooted in generational conflicts. “While some chapters are more light-hearted, others, like the Shield Maiden’s tale, balance intensity with subtle humor.”
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Indeed, the Shield Maiden segment, which the press previewed, is an exceedingly engaging and visually stunning piece of animation. It embodies a boldness that aligns perfectly with the Predator brand, surprising given it comes from the same studio responsible for family-friendly films like Moana 2. The animation draws comparisons to Arcane, the Netflix adaptation of League of Legends, characterized by its vibrant visuals and fluid motion.
Trachtenberg acknowledged that Arcane significantly inspired the film’s artistic direction. “We had a few artists from Arcane contributing to this project, reflecting a collaboration that cultivated Killer of Killers over time,”he noted. His partnership with Third Floor, a creative studio whose members have a rich history of working on blockbuster films, was a pivotal aspect of the movie’s development.
Transitioning from Live-Action to Animation
“What I Realized As I Got To The End Of This Process Was How Much This Movie Gets To Be For 12-Year-Olds”
Dan Trachtenberg, known for his live-action works including acclaimed episodes of The Boys and Black Mirror, reflected on the contrasts between animation and his previous directorial experiences. He recalled that prior to this, his only animation work was for a video game cinematic. “In animation, you have the freedom to create anything, but like live-action, budget constraints limit the number of characters and settings,”he explained. Directing animations involves upfront planning and a different workflow, yet he finds joy in witnessing how visuals evolve throughout production.
A unique aspect of Killer of Killers is that its development coincided with Trachtenberg’s filming of Predator: Badlands. When questioned about handling both projects simultaneously, he remarked, “It was just too tantalizing not to do both.”Writing for the animated film progressed during delays in the live-action project, leveraging remote technologies to maintain productivity while shooting in New Zealand.
Reflecting on this creative endeavor, Trachtenberg conveyed a sense of nostalgia: “What resonated with me was how this film speaks to the ’12-year-old’ in all of us. Just like how I felt when I first experienced Akira, I want audiences to feel that visceral thrill. This film aims to be the kind of experience that lasts through sleepovers and brings joy across generations.”
Why Killer of Killers is a Film Rather Than a Series
“There’s So Much Cool Stuff In This Movie”
Trachtenberg clarified that there were initial considerations about how to progress following Prey, which led to the development of Predator: Badlands. Another concept, ultimately evolving into Killer of Killers, proved more fitting as a feature film. Although there was never a serious push for a TV adaptation, he acknowledged the allure of crafting stories across different timelines. “But I cherish my collaborations with the studio team and preferred to work with them on this film,”he admitted.
Killer of Killers is poised to emerge as one of the most thrilling animated films of the upcoming year. Together with Trachtenberg’s passion for the project, the film promises an engaging experience filled with unexpected narratives and remarkable visuals.
Excitement for the film builds, particularly as Trachtenberg revealed that co-director Wassung was instrumental in shaping it as an anthology. “There’s so much cool stuff in this movie,”Trachtenberg enthused. And indeed, from the preview shown to the press, Killer of Killers appears to be a thrilling, emotionally captivating, and visually stunning contribution to the Predator legacy, thematically aligned with Prey yet uniquely fresh.