Just ten days into its theatrical release, director Dan Trachtenberg’s latest film, Predator: Badlands, has surpassed the $100 million mark at the global box office. This milestone not only recovers its reported $105 million budget but also signals a promising future for the franchise. Trachtenberg, who gained acclaim with the 2022 prequel film Prey, has once again demonstrated his prowess in reviving the iconic series.
The success of Badlands follows the warm reception of Trachtenberg’s co-directed animated spin-off, Predator: Killer of Killers, which was released directly to streaming. Given a proper theatrical release by Disney-owned 20th Century Studios, Badlands has made a significant impact, grossing over $60 million domestically and becoming the highest-grossing installment in the franchise.
Franchise Evolution and Box Office Triumph
The Predator series has seen various iterations since its inception, including crossovers with the Alien movies. The original Predator and its sequels, along with reboots like Predators (2010) and The Predator (2018), have all contributed to the franchise’s legacy. However, Badlands has now overtaken these predecessors in box office performance, indicating a resurgence in audience interest.
Meanwhile, the Alien series has also been revitalized with Fede Álvarez’s Alien: Romulus, which grossed approximately $350 million globally last year. Although Badlands has yet to reach such heights, it has already outperformed several past science-fiction titles, including Transcendence, Chappie, and Life.
Critical Acclaim and Audience Reception
Predator: Badlands has been met with enthusiastic reviews, earning a “certified fresh” score of 85% on Rotten Tomatoes. The audience score is even more impressive, standing at a near-perfect 95%. This positive reception can be attributed to its star-studded cast, including Elle Fanning and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, as well as its engaging storyline and high production values.
In contrast, the film Life, despite featuring talents like Ryan Reynolds, Rebecca Ferguson, and Jake Gyllenhaal, managed only a 68% score on Rotten Tomatoes and grossed $101 million globally. The film was briefly rumored to be connected to Sony’s Venom series, yet it failed to capture the same level of audience enthusiasm as Badlands.
Future Prospects for the Franchise
The success of Predator: Badlands suggests a bright future for the franchise. With the potential for further crossovers and sequels, the series is poised to continue captivating audiences worldwide. Industry insiders speculate that the studio may explore new narratives and collaborations, potentially expanding the universe even further.
As the film continues to perform well at the box office, fans and critics alike are eager to see what direction the franchise will take next. The enduring appeal of the Predator series, combined with Trachtenberg’s visionary direction, ensures that it remains a significant player in the science fiction genre.
Stay tuned for more updates as Predator: Badlands continues its theatrical run and shapes the future of this iconic series.
