‘Badlands’ Smashes Franchise Record with Massive Opening Weekend
Predator: Badlands has made an impressive mark on the franchise, achieving the highest opening weekend in its history. This marks a significant moment for the popular sci-fi action series. Released recently, it has grossed an estimated $37 million domestically, easily surpassing the previous record of $24.6 million.
Franchise Milestone
With strong audience reception, Badlands has garnered an outstanding 96% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes. This figure significantly outperforms the 74% rating for the previous installment, Prey, and even surpasses the original 1987 film’s 87% score.
Box Office Performance
- Opening weekend gross: $37 million
- Previous record (Predator movies): $24.6 million
- Target to surpass: $38.2 million from 2004 crossover movie
- Tomatometer score: 85%
- Audience score: 96%
Director Dan Trachtenberg’s skillful guidance has revitalized this iconic franchise. After the lukewarm performances of previous films, Badlands now paves the way for potential future crossovers within the universe.
Shift in Distribution Strategy
The decision to send Prey directly to streaming on Disney+ raised questions among fans and critics alike. Despite gaining popularity on the platform, many believe it missed out on significant box office potential.
In contrast, Badlands marks the first Predator installment to hit theaters in seven years. Trachtenberg’s vision has proven to be a game-changer, restoring hope for the franchise’s continued success.
Future Prospects
The success of Badlands may ignite discussions about future crossover films featuring both Predators and Aliens. The groundwork appears to be laid for an exciting trajectory for fans of these beloved franchises.
With Badlands setting a new standard, the direction of the Predator franchise looks promising for the years to come.
