The newest entry in the Predator series, Predator: Badlands, has achieved a historic global box office debut, earning $80 million during its opening weekend. Directed by Dan Trachtenberg, this action-thriller garnered $40 million in domestic earnings and another $40 million internationally, marking it as the highest-grossing opening in the franchise’s history. Featuring performances by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi and Elle Fanning, Badlands advances the legacy of the beloved sci-fi series with a fresh narrative. Set against a bleak, near-future backdrop, the film centers on a young Predator warrior embarking on a perilous mission that intersects with human survival efforts. Both critics and audiences have reacted favorably, reflected in an 85% score on Rotten Tomatoes and an A- CinemaScore, indicating robust word-of-mouth promotion.
This success is a significant achievement for 20th Century Studios and Trachtenberg, who previously revitalized the franchise with 2022’s Prey. Industry experts suggest that this impressive opening and the positive feedback could lead to further explorations within the Predator universe in the future.