Following his work on the Predator: Badlands franchise, director Dan Trachtenberg is taking a surprising turn into family-friendly animation. The filmmaker has officially teamed up with Paramount Animation to helm a new horror-comedy titled Freddy the 13th.
A New Direction for the Filmmaker
The project is an adaptation of the graphic novel by Yehudi Mercado. While Trachtenberg is best known for intense, adult-oriented genre films, this new venture is described as a PG-rated horror story designed to deliver both scares and laughs for a family audience. The announcement was made at the 2026 Annecy International Animation Film Festival.
Trachtenberg shared his excitement for the project on social media, noting the shift in tone from his previous work. He joked that after spending most of his career making movies that parents probably should not show their children, he is finally working on something they can watch.
What to Expect from Freddy the 13th
The story centers on Freddy Vanwinkle, a character who struggles with failure compared to his siblings. After accidentally killing a legendary slasher known as Nighty Night, he inherits the monster’s mantle. The plot follows his journey to break a curse within thirteen nights while protecting his niece and nephew during a babysitting gig.
Beyond the supernatural elements, the film promises a cross-country adventure as Freddy attempts to prove his worth while rival killers emerge from the shadows. Trachtenberg will serve as director and producer on the film alongside Ben Rosenblatt. This project marks a significant departure for the director, showcasing his versatility as he applies his signature style to a completely different medium and demographic.
Source: ComingSoon.net
