Dan Trachtenberg to Direct Untitled Disney Reimagining of 'Sleeping Beauty'

Key points

• Dan Trachtenberg will direct an untitled Disney film inspired by 'Sleeping Beauty.'
• The project is in early development and is not connected to the 'Maleficent' series.
• Trachtenberg and Rayna McClendon co-wrote the story, with Alex Anfanger and Dan Schimpf writing the script.
• The film is expected to take the classic tale in a new direction, possibly with horror elements.
• Trachtenberg is currently in pre-production on a top-secret project at Paramount.

Background

This development follows Trachtenberg's successful relaunch of the 'Predator' franchise with 'Prey' (2022), 'Predator: Badlands' (2025), and the animated 'Predator: Killer of Killers' (2025), all of which achieved high critical acclaim and strong viewership. He is also set to direct the animated horror comedy 'Freddy the 13th' for Paramount, scheduled for a 2028 release. The archive articles on sleep science and technology are unrelated to this film development news.

How outlets are covering it

Deadline, TheWrap, and The Playlist all report the same core facts: Trachtenberg is directing an untitled Disney film inspired by 'Sleeping Beauty,' with the same creative team and production details. Gizmodo adds a speculative perspective, suggesting that Trachtenberg's 'distinct sensibility' likely means the film will incorporate horror elements, a genre he is known for. All outlets agree that the project is not connected to the 'Maleficent' franchise. There are no significant disagreements among the sources.

Why it matters

This marks a significant pivot for Trachtenberg, moving from the action-horror 'Predator' franchise to a reimagining of a classic Disney fairy tale. It also highlights Disney's continued strategy of reinterpreting classic properties for new audiences, potentially blending genres to create fresh narratives. The involvement of established writers and producers suggests a high-profile project in development.

What to watch

The project is in early development, with no release date or further plot details announced. Trachtenberg is currently in pre-production on a top-secret project at Paramount. The next steps will likely involve the completion of the script and the announcement of a cast and release date.