‘Predator: Badlands’ Smashes Franchise Records with Huge Box Office Debut
“Predator: Badlands” took the top spot at the box office this weekend, earning $40 million in its first three days in North America, according to studio reports released Sunday. The film’s strong performance came at a time when theaters were struggling with slow ticket sales, giving the box office a much-needed boost.
The latest installment in the long-running sci-fi series also made another $40 million from international markets, bringing its worldwide debut to $80 million. This marks the biggest opening in the Predator franchise’s history, passing the $38.3 million earned by Alien vs. Predator back in 2004.
First hunt. Last chance.
— 20th Century Studios (@20thcentury) July 21, 2025
From the director of Prey, watch the brand-new trailer for Predator: Badlands, in theaters November 7. pic.twitter.com/KrLZznPnL6
Directed and written by Dan Trachtenberg, Predator: Badlands is the eighth film in the series that began in 1987. With a production cost of $105 million, it’s the most expensive Predator movie ever made. The film introduces a new twist to the familiar story, following a young, outcast Predator (played by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi) who teams up with an android researcher (Elle Fanning) on a faraway planet.
Critics have responded positively, giving it an 85% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Audiences also seem happy with the movie, giving it an “A-” CinemaScore. On its first day alone, it pulled in $15.6 million domestically, the best opening day for any Predator film so far.
For a franchise that has seen its ups and downs over nearly four decades, Predator: Badlands appears to have reignited fan interest while also drawing in new viewers.
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