Predator: Badlands has stormed into theaters with a record-breaking $80 million global opening, setting a new benchmark for the franchise.
The Predator franchise has officially clawed its way back to box-office dominance. According to Variety, Disney and 20th Century Studios’ Predator: Badlands earned $40 million in North America over its opening weekend, marking the best domestic debut in the history of the series. The film also topped the box offices in many countries such as China, UK and Mexico, adding another $40 million from international markets. With a global total hitting $80 million, the film has secured its position as the number one movie worldwide (Comscore).
This achievement surpasses the previous record set by 2004’s Alien vs. Predator ($38 million, not adjusted for inflation) and delivers a much-needed win for the theatrical marketplace, surpassing projections. On CinemaScore, Predator : Badlands earned an “A–” grade, the highest in franchise history, while Slashfilm reports a 95% audience score and 85% critical approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes — stellar numbers for a legacy action property.
Critics and audiences alike have praised Badlands not only for its world-building and visual scale but also for its emotional core. Trachtenberg’s return to the director’s chair, paired with a PG-13 rating that broadened its reach, clearly struck the right balance between accessibility and tension.
For Disney and the Predator franchise, Badlands represents not just a record-setting comeback, but a reminder that some legends never die — they just evolve. And we couldn’t be prouder to be part of this great new adventure.