Dan Trachtenberg and Yehudi Mercado Bring “Freddy the 13th” to Paramount Animation

Paramount Animation announced an untitled animated feature based on Yehudi Mercado’s graphic novel “Freddy the 13th.” The plot follows Freddy Vanwinkle, the unlucky thirteenth-born son, who accidentally kills the Boogeyman during a family vacation, inherits the monster’s powers, and must break a thirteen-night curse. The studio markets it as a PG-rated horror comedy that aims to provide both thrills and humor for all ages, and broaden the studio’s family-oriented slate.

Dan Trachtenberg Adapting Horror Comedy ‘Freddy the 13th’ for Paramount Animation

The graphic novel debuted in late 2025, featuring Freddy’s misadventures and the antagonist Nighty Night. In early 2026, director Dan Trachtenberg signed a three-year first-look deal with Paramount Pictures. The adaptation was unveiled at the Annecy Animation Film Festival in June 2026, where Paramount Animation president Jennifer Dodge presented it with other upcoming titles.

Deadline Hollywood

Dan Trachtenberg—director of *Prey*, *Predator: Badlands*, and *10 Cloverfield Lane*—will co-direct and co-produce with Ben Rosenblatt. Yehudi Mercado, author of the graphic novel, serves as co-director. Rosenblatt’s past work includes the *Snowpiercer* series, the *Sonic the Hedgehog* miniseries *Knuckles*, and *Wonder Park*. The project is overseen by Paramount Animation, led by president Jennifer Dodge.

Yehudi Mercado’s ‘Freddy the 13th’ Heads to Screens with Untitled Paramount Animation & Dan Trachtenberg Film

Paramount Animation markets the film as a “wholesome, PG-rated” horror comedy aimed at families seeking “laughs to the whole family.” By mixing classic horror tropes with comedy, the studio hopes to revive a market once served by Amblin’s *Goosebumps* titles. The project joins an animated *Survivor* feature, Robert Rodriguez’s holiday film *The Naughty List*, and the upcoming *PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie* (August 14, 2026).

Hollywood Reporter

Paramount Animation described the adaptation as tapping into the zeitgeist-piercing appeal of horror while delivering wholesome PG-rated scares and laughs for families. The studio emphasized that the film will be a PG-rated horror offering both thrills and humor. Trachtenberg’s Instagram post noted that his previous work has been unsuitable for children and that this new project is intended for family viewing.

Dan Trachtenberg To Help ‘Freddy The 13th’ Adaptation

• “I’ve spent most of my career making movies that parents probably shouldn’t show their kids,” — Dan Trachtenberg, Instagram

Variety Magazine

• “a family vacation turns into a nightmare when fun Uncle Freddy accidentally kills the Boogeyman and takes on his powers.” — Official logline, Paramount Animation

Deadline Hollywood

• “From the studio: This project taps into the zeitgeist-piercing appeal of horror through a medium that delivers wholesome PG-rated scares and laughs to the whole family.” — Paramount Animation press release

Yehudi Mercado’s ‘Freddy the 13th’ Heads to Screens with Untitled Paramount Animation & Dan Trachtenberg Film

• “PG-rated horror delivering ‘scares and laughs to the whole family'” — Paramount Animation statement

Dan Trachtenberg Adapting Horror Comedy ‘Freddy the 13th’ for Paramount Animation

Paramount Animation’s next theatrical title is *PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie*, set for release on August 14, 2026, while development proceeds on *Freddy the 13th* and other original projects.

Variety Magazine