“Badlands Nears $200 Million Global Record with Consecutive Battles”
“Predator: Badlands” has emerged as a major success, grossing $80 million globally during its debut weekend. This significant figure marks the largest opening in the near 40-year franchise history. Previously, the record was held by the 2018 film, “The Predator,” which earned $73.5 million, not adjusted for inflation.
Record-Breaking Performance
The latest installment, directed by Dan Trachtenberg, also surpassed the domestic debut record of “Alien vs. Predator,” which grossed $38 million in 2004. “Badlands” achieved $40 million in North America and matched that amount in 52 international markets. Internationally, the film’s opening ranks as the franchise’s second-best start after “The Predator,” which earned $48.9 million. Key international markets included:
- China: $7.4 million
- United Kingdom: $3.2 million
- Mexico: $2.3 million
Franchise Legacy
“Predator: Badlands” is the ninth entry in the series and the first theatrical release since Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox. The iconic franchise began with the 1987 film featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger. Trachtenberg previously directed two recent productions, “Prey” and “Predator: Killer of Killers,” both of which were released on Hulu without a theatrical run.
Production and Appeal
Produced at a cost of $105 million, “Badlands” tells the story of an outcast alien hunter, played by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, who teams up with Elle Fanning to confront a formidable foe. The film’s success can be attributed to several factors, such as:
- Positive reviews
- Strong word-of-mouth recommendations
- High interest in Imax and large-format screenings
Additionally, rated PG-13, it appeals to a broader audience, including families, unlike previous films in the series, which were generally rated R.
The Box Office Landscape
The performance of “Predator: Badlands” is reviving the box office after a slow October. As November approaches, films like “Wicked: For Good” and “Zootopia 2” are anticipated to sustain audience interest, while December will see releases such as “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2” and “Avatar: Fire and Ash.”
Upcoming Milestones
In related box office news, Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” is on track to cross the $200 million mark globally, currently sitting at $196.8 million. This includes $127.4 million accumulated from international markets. As the highest-grossing film of Anderson’s career, it is also noted for being an original R-rated film with a runtime nearing three hours.
Despite its success, “One Battle After Another” is expected to incur substantial losses for Warner Bros., having cost over $130 million to produce. Conversely, Sony’s “Chainsaw Man – the Movie: Reze Arc” has made headlines by surpassing $150 million worldwide, with total earnings of $158 million, split between $121 million internationally and $38 million domestically.
