“Badlands’ Record Opening Revives Box Office Fortunes”
Dan Trachtenberg’s new film, Predator: Badlands, has revitalized the domestic box office, achieving a remarkable start. On its opening Friday, the film garnered $15.6 million, setting it on track for a potential record-breaking weekend total between $36 million and $38.5 million. Initial estimates predicted a much lower opening of around $25 million for the entire weekend.
Record Opening for Predator: Badlands
Predator: Badlands is now poised to secure the top opening among standalone Predator films. It may even surpass the 2004 film AVP: Alien vs. Predator, which opened to $38.4 million, potentially becoming the highest-grossing entry in the franchise, unadjusted for inflation. The film, produced by 20th Century Studios and Disney, surpassed expectations, receiving critical acclaim and positive audience feedback.
Positive Reception and Audience Engagement
Predator: Badlands holds the distinction of being the only film in the franchise, including the two Alien crossovers, to achieve an A- CinemaScore. Its audience ratings are impressive, with PostTrak exits reporting five out of five stars. This response reflects the film’s successful blend of storytelling and fresh perspectives.
Plot and Characters
Trachtenberg, who co-created the film with Patrick Aison, has crafted a narrative that continues to expand the now nine-film franchise, which started with the original Predator in 1987. The plot follows Dek, a villainous Predator portrayed by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, who teams up with Thia, a synthetic character played by Elle Fanning. Having been exiled from his Yautja clan, Dek embarks on a perilous journey to the planet Genna. This dangerous location is known for its mythical beast, and Dek’s adventure is an unsanctioned hunt to prove himself.
Box Office Rankings
- Predator: Badlands: $36 million – $38.5 million projected
- Regretting You: Estimated at $7.3 million over the weekend, with a total of $38.8 million.
- Black Phone 2: Estimated to earn $5.2 million, totaling $70 million.
- Sarah’s Oil: Expected to generate $4.4 million, currently boasting an A+ CinemaScore.
- Nuremberg: Projected between $3.7 million to $4 million.
- Die My Love: Anticipated earnings between $2.5 million to $2.7 million, facing low audience scores.
As the weekend unfolds, it will be interesting to see how Predator: Badlands continues to perform against a backdrop of new releases and established favorites. The film’s strong start marks a significant moment for the franchise and the overall box office landscape.
