Before directing critically acclaimed entries in the Predator franchise, Dan Trachtenberg was nearly selected to helm the first Guardians of the Galaxy movie at Marvel Studios. The opportunity arose in the early stages of the project when Marvel was working off a script by Nicole Perlman and searching for a director to bring the then-nascent cosmic property to life. Trachtenberg’s short film inspired by the video game Portal caught the attention of Marvel executives, including producer Jeremy Latcham and Kevin Feige, putting him in contention for the role ultimately awarded to James Gunn.
How Trachtenberg Entered Marvel Studios’ Radar
Trachtenberg’s reputation blossomed following a short film project tied to the popular Portal game, which showcased his distinct creative vision and storytelling skills. This eventually led to his collaboration with J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot on 10 Cloverfield Lane. During a recent podcast conversation with Josh Horowitz on Happy Sad Confused, Trachtenberg revealed that Marvel’s interest in his work placed him in discussions for directing the inaugural Guardians of the Galaxy film. He described meeting key Marvel figures and being part of the director search, even though he did not ultimately secure the position.
“I like so many filmmakers of my generation and younger, who have made a movie that strikes a chord, have definitely met…I will say that I met a producer named Jeremy Latcham at [Marvel Studios] and [Kevin Feige], because of Jeremy, to meet for ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ before James Gunn, based on my short film ‘Portal,’ they were like ‘That’s creative, let’s find someone interesting and cool.’ I did not get the job, obviously, and rightfully so, but still so so awesome.”
– Dan Trachtenberg, Director
James Gunn’s Lasting Influence on the Guardians Franchise
James Gunn took charge of Guardians of the Galaxy and crafted a highly successful trilogy that became a defining element of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s cosmic side. Gunn’s creative vision extended beyond the main films, including directing the Disney+ Holiday Special centered on the Guardians characters. His departure to oversee DC Studios under Warner Bros. marks a significant shift, but his imprint on the franchise remains strong. As Bradley Cooper’s Rocket Raccoon assumes leadership in the team’s evolving lineup introduced at the end of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, fans eagerly await future stories despite the lack of immediate plans for a fourth movie.
Trachtenberg’s Rising Star Following Predator: Badlands
Following the success of Predator: Badlands, which recently topped the box office with an $80 million global opening, Dan Trachtenberg’s profile among studios has grown considerably. The solo Predator film injected fresh energy into the franchise, and it is expected that Trachtenberg will be approached for additional high-profile projects. Industry insiders speculate that Kevin Feige and other Marvel executives might re-engage with Trachtenberg for potential cosmic-themed films like Nova or Starjammers, a group of space pirates connected to the X-Men universe. With Marvel expanding its cosmic slate, Trachtenberg’s proven track record positions him as a strong candidate for future endeavors.
Audience Response and Future Prospects for Trachtenberg
Predator: Badlands is currently earning positive reviews from audiences, signaling a solid reception to Trachtenberg’s vision. This success likely increases the chances of him directing additional installments within the franchise. Fans and industry observers alike remain hopeful that Trachtenberg’s growing career trajectory will intersect again with Marvel Studios, further enriching the MCU’s cosmic storytelling.
