“Predator: Badlands” director Dan Trachtenberg is developing “Freddy the 13th,” an animated movie based on the graphic horror novel about the fictional Freddy Vanwinkle, a hapless 13th-born son who seems to fails at everything he does.
Though “Freddy the 13th” sounds scary, the studio promises a “wholesome, PG-rated” movie that will deliver “laughs to the whole family.” The story follows a family vacation that turns into a nightmare after fun Uncle Freddy accidentally kills the Boogeyman and takes on his powers.
“I’ve spent most of my career making movies that parents probably shouldn’t show their kids,” Trachtenberg wrote on Instagram. “Happy to announce, along with @supermercadocomics and @paramountpics I’m finally making one…they…can…?”
Yehudi Mercado, who authored the graphic novel of the same name, is co-directing the film. Trachtenberg, who will serve as producer with Ben Rosenblatt, recently signed a three-year first-look deal with Paramount Pictures. Trachtenberg made his directorial debut with 2016’s “10 Cloverfield Lane” and went on to direct 2022’s “Prey” and 2025’s animated “Predator: Killer of Killers” and live-action “Predator: Badlands.” On the small screen, he’s directed episodes of “The Boys,” “The Lost Symbol” and “Black Mirror.”
Paramount Animation unveiled “Freddy the 13th” at Annecy International Animation Film Festival, which is currently underway in France. The studio’s animated division, which is overseen by newly appointed president Jennifer Dodge, recently announced a “Survivor” movie featuring animal contestants, as well as a Christmas adventure “The Naughty List” from director Robert Rodriguez. Up next, Paramount Animation has “PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie,” which opens in August.
