Trachtenberg to Direct Animated Horror Comedy Freddy 13th

Director Dan Trachtenberg, known for revitalizing the "Predator" franchise, has set his next project: an animated family-friendly horror comedy based on the graphic novel "Freddy the 13th." The film was announced on Monday, June 22, 2026, at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in France.

Trachtenberg will co-direct the currently untitled feature with the graphic novel's creator, Yehudi Mercado. Both will also produce alongside Trachtenberg's longtime collaborator Ben Rosenblatt. The project marks the first under a three-year, first-look deal Trachtenberg recently signed with Paramount Pictures.

The story follows Freddy Vanwinkle, the clumsy and perpetually unsuccessful thirteenth son in a family of overachievers. His life changes during a family vacation when he accidentally kills a legendary monster known as the Boogeyman, inheriting its powers and a curse. Freddy must then break the curse within thirteen nights as rival killers emerge. Paramount Animation describes the film as a PG-rated project designed to deliver both scares and laughs to a broad, family audience.

In a social media post, Trachtenberg expressed enthusiasm for making a film suitable for younger...