‘Predator: Badlands’ Dominates Box Office, Shattering Several Franchise Records
“Predator: Badlands” stormed into theaters this weekend, taking the top spot at the North American box office with a $40 million debut, according to studio estimates released on Sunday.
The strong opening gave theaters a much-needed boost after one of the slowest weekends of 2025.
The film, released by Disney’s 20th Century Studios, also brought in another $40 million overseas, bringing its global total to $80 million in its first weekend. That number marks the biggest opening in the entire Predator franchise. It topped the previous record set by Alien vs. Predator in 2004, which opened with $38.3 million domestically.
Directed and written by Dan Trachtenberg, Predator: Badlands is the eighth film in the long-running sci-fi series that began in 1987. With a budget of $105 million, it’s also the most expensive Predator film ever made.
The movie introduces a fresh take on the classic story, following a young, outcast Predator (played by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi) who forms an unlikely bond with an android researcher (Elle Fanning) on a distant planet.
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
Critics and audiences seem to agree that the new direction works. The film currently holds an 85% score on Rotten Tomatoes, and moviegoers gave it an “A-” CinemaScore.
The movie also made history on its first day, earning $15.6 million at the domestic box office, the biggest single-day opening for any Predator film to date.
After a rough few weeks for theaters, Predator: Badlands has brought some much-needed energy back to the big screen. With strong reviews and steady word of mouth, it looks set to continue its run as one of the year’s biggest sci-fi hits.
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