“Badlands Scores $15.6 Million on Opening Day”
The sci-fi sequel “Predator: Badlands” has made a significant impact at the box office, earning $15.6 million on its opening day. This performance positions it at the top of the theatrical charts, surpassing several other adult-oriented releases.
Box Office Performance of “Predator: Badlands”
The film is playing in 3,725 locations and has exceeded early projections, which estimated an opening weekend gross of $25 million to $30 million. “Predator: Badlands” is on track to potentially break records for the franchise, which has seen varying success in recent years.
Comparative Success
To highlight its performance, the previous “Predator” film entries, including the 2022 prequel “Prey” and this year’s “Predator: Killer of Killers,” were released directly on streaming platforms rather than in theaters. The last installment to see a theatrical release was the 2004 film “Alien vs. Predator,” which opened with $38 million.
Production and Budget
Directed by Dan Trachtenberg, “Predator: Badlands” features stars such as Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi and Elle Fanning. The production budget was $105 million, significantly lower than Disney’s recent $180 million expenditure on “Tron: Ares.” The film is already forecasted to outperform “Ares,” which had an opening weekend of $33 million.
Audience Reception and Ratings
Early audience response has been favorable, with a Cinema Score rating of “A-.” This positive feedback may help boost its performance moving forward.
Overview of Other New Releases
- “Sarah’s Oil” – This drama about one of the first Black female millionaires earned $1.7 million on opening day, projecting a total weekend gross of $4.4 million with a favorable “A+” Cinema Score.
- “Nuremberg” – The historical courtroom drama took in $1.4 million initially, targeting a fifth-place finish.
- “Die My Love” – Starring Jennifer Lawrence, this thriller opened with around $1 million, receiving a disappointing “D+” Cinema Score.
- “Christy” – Sydney Sweeney’s boxing film had a quiet start, garnering approximately $670,000.
Long-term Outlook
Despite challenges from other releases, “Predator: Badlands” appears well-positioned for continued success, especially with robust audience ratings and market interest. The competition from other films may impact upcoming weekends, but the film’s early performance suggests a strong potential for profitability moving forward.
