“Badlands Targets $60 Million Worldwide Box Office Debut”

In the midst of a sluggish fall box office, Hollywood is focused on “Predator: Badlands,” aiming for a global debut of $60 million. Of this, over $25 million is expected from the U.S. and Canada alone. This film represents Disney’s second major sci-fi release this fall, following the $134.3 million performance of “Tron: Ares,” which was created on a $220 million budget.

Anticipation for “Predator: Badlands”

Unlike previous Predator films, “Badlands” carries a PG-13 rating, broadening its potential audience. It hopes to attract viewers under 25 years old, expanding its fan base beyond the traditional older demographics.

Director and Unique Concept

Directed by Dan Trachtenberg, who previously revitalized the franchise with “Prey” on Hulu, “Predator: Badlands” puts a twist on the usual narrative. While earlier films centered on humans as the hunted, this installment flips the script, allowing the alien hunter to become the prey. The film has received positive early reviews, scoring 88% freshness following its premiere.

Box Office Strategy and Projections

Advance ticket sales indicate a strong performance, comparable to other recent films like “Ballerina” and “The Accountant 2,” both of which opened at $24.5 million. However, “Badlands” aims to exceed these figures, with a projected $35 to $38 million international opening weekend.

• U.S. and Canada theaters: 3,700 (including IMAX and premium formats)
• Stateside opening benchmark: Anything above $25 million will make it the second-largest in the franchise.
• Previous franchise record: “Alien vs. Predator” with $38.2 million in 2004.

International Launch Schedule

The film will debut internationally this weekend, starting with markets like France, Korea, and the Netherlands on Wednesday. Other key markets, including Australia, Brazil, and Germany, follow on Thursday, while China, India, and the UK will see its release on Friday.

Comparison with Previous Installments

The last Predator film, “The Predator,” opened to $49 million in foreign markets. However, that figure benefitted from approximately $19 million generated in China, a milestone “Badlands” is unlikely to match. “The Predator” ultimately grossed $146 million globally, with $95 million from international markets.

As “Predator: Badlands” prepares for its release, the film faces competition from several new adult-oriented movies set to debut, including Sydney Sweeney’s “Christy” and others. These upcoming films are projected to earn between $1 million and $4 million.

With a unique twist on its narrative and a broader audience appeal, “Predator: Badlands” is looking to revitalize box office expectations as it launches worldwide.