The latest installment in the iconic franchise, “Predator: Badlands,” has made a significant impact at the box office, projected to achieve a remarkable $40 million in its domestic opening weekend. This figure not only sets a new record for the Predator series but also surpasses the previous opening weekend of $38.2 million established by “Alien vs. Predator.”
The film, directed by Dan Trachtenberg, has shown impressive staying power, with a mere 10% drop in box office receipts after an opening day and preview earnings of $15.6 million. Following this strong start, Saturday’s earnings reached $14 million, a performance not seen in other major releases since titles like “The Conjuring: Last Rites” and “Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle” in September 2023.
International Success and Audience Engagement
The film’s success can be attributed in part to its appeal among younger audiences. Initial turnout from under-17 viewers was modest on Friday but saw a substantial increase on Saturday as positive word of mouth circulated. Internationally, “Predator: Badlands” has garnered an impressive additional $40 million, bringing its global total to $80 million. This marks the highest worldwide opening for any film in the Predator franchise to date.
Producer Fred Rosenblatt has shared exciting news regarding the film’s future. He confirmed that original Predator star Arnold Schwarzenegger has met multiple times with Dan Trachtenberg to discuss the current project. Rosenblatt remarked to Deadline, “Arnold and Dan have met a couple of times now. He’s a real fan of what we’ve done so far, from what I understand.”
As the numbers continue to roll in, “Predator: Badlands” has positioned itself not only as a commercial success but also as a revitalization of a beloved franchise. With strong audience engagement and a promising opening, it sets the stage for potential sequels and expanded storytelling in the Predator universe.