20th Century Studios' Predator: Badlands is projected to launch with $60 million worldwide, including over $25 million from the U.S. and Canada, as it aims to revive a struggling fall box office. Directed by Dan Trachtenberg, the PG-13 film flips the franchise formula by making the alien hunter the prey, earning strong early reviews at 88% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. It arrives in theaters amid comparisons to recent sci-fi releases like Tron: Ares.
Box Office Projections
Predator: Badlands is targeting a $60 million global debut, with estimates placing U.S. and Canada earnings at $25 million or more. Advance ticket sales align with those of Ballerina and The Accountant 2, both opening to $24.5 million domestically, though they trail Tron: Ares' $33.2 million start. The film will play in 3,700 North American theaters, including IMAX and premium formats, with fan previews on Wednesday and Thursday previews beginning at 2 p.m.
Internationally, the rollout starts Wednesday in markets like France, Korea, the Netherlands, and Indonesia, expanding Thursday to Australia, Brazil, Germany, Italy, and Mexico. Friday includes China, India, Japan, Spain, and the UK, with offshore projections at $35 million to $38 million. This follows 2018's The Predator, which opened to $49 million abroad (adjusted rates) but benefited from $19 million in China—territory where Badlands leads presales on Friday but not subsequent days.
Franchise Context and Reviews
Directed by Dan Trachtenberg, who revitalized the series with Hulu's Prey in 2022, Badlands shifts focus from humans as prey to the Yautja alien being hunted. Starring Elle Fanning and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, the PG-13 rating broadens appeal beyond the core older male audience. Early reviews post-Hollywood premiere stand at 88% fresh, praising its action-adventure elements, though some note it may disappoint die-hard fans. Trachtenberg drew elegant connections to the Alien universe without overt crossovers, inspired by specific Alien sequels for Fanning's character. James Cameron, after initial doubts, endorsed a near-finished cut.
The franchise, spanning eight films since 1987's original with Arnold Schwarzenegger, holds its domestic opening record with Alien vs. Predator's $38.2 million in 2004. A $25 million-plus U.S. start would rank Badlands second among stand-alone entries.
