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# 'Predator: Badlands' Breaks Franchise Records
- URL: https://www.zilck.com/predator-badlands-breaks-franchise-records/
- Published: 2025-11-09T22:02:48.000Z
- Updated: 2025-11-09T22:02:48.000Z
- Description: Dan Trachtenberg has now achieved a clean sweep with three consecutive critically and commercially successful Predator films.
- Author: Zilck Team
- Tags: Movies & TV

The iconic sci-fi franchise has roared back to life with *Predator: Badlands*, delivering a record-breaking [$80 million global opening weekend](https://variety.com/2025/film/box-office/predator-box-office-badlands-global-record-one-battle-after-another-milestone-1236573502/?ref=zilck.com) that proves audiences are hungry for fresh takes on beloved properties. Directed by Dan Trachtenberg, the visionary behind the critically acclaimed *Prey*, this bold new chapter flips the script by making the Predator the hero—and the gamble has paid off spectacularly.​

## Record-Breaking Box Office Success

*Predator: Badlands* dominated theaters this weekend with [$40 million domestically](https://deadline.com/2025/11/predator-badlands-global-international-box-office-opening-1236612021/?ref=zilck.com) and another $40 million internationally, marking the highest global opening in the franchise's nearly 40-year history. The film surpassed the previous record holder, 2004's *Alien vs. Predator*, which opened to [$38.3 million](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/predator-badlands-box-office-record-opening-1236421940/?ref=zilck.com). Not accounting for inflation, this represents a franchise milestone that Disney and 20th Century Studios desperately needed after a challenging year.​

The film performed [exceptionally well internationally](https://deadline.com/2025/11/predator-badlands-global-international-box-office-opening-1236612021/?ref=zilck.com), claiming the number-one spot in countries including the UK ($3.2 million), Mexico ($2.3 million), France ($1.8 million), and Japan ($1.7 million). In China, where it earned $7.4 million, *Badlands* became the first studio release to debut at number one since July. IMAX screenings contributed $10.8 million to the global total, demonstrating strong audience demand for premium viewing experiences.​

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a3/28/a3280dcb-1c7d-4319-b381-3cd1a47b463a/content/images/2025/11/MV5BNWYyNDM5ZGYtMzM5NC00NDM1LWFlYWYtN2QwMzk2MGE0NDA0XkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_FMjpg_UX2048_.jpg)

©2025 20th Century Studios

## A Fresh Take That Critics and Audiences Love

What makes *Predator: Badlands* particularly fascinating is its unprecedented approach: the [Predator is the protagonist](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Predator:%5FBadlands?ref=zilck.com). Set on the hostile planet Genna, the story follows Dek (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi), a young outcast Predator who forms an unlikely alliance with Thia (Elle Fanning), a damaged Weyland-Yutani synthetic android. Together, they embark on a treacherous journey confronting a terrifying apex creature that challenges both species' survival instincts.​

Critics have embraced the film with an impressive [86% Rotten Tomatoes score](https://screenrant.com/predator-badlands-rotten-tomatoes-score-debut/?ref=zilck.com), while audiences delivered an even more enthusiastic 96% Popcornmeter rating—potentially the highest audience score in franchise history. Moviegoers awarded it an [A- CinemaScore](https://screenrant.com/predator-badlands-rotten-tomatoes-score-debut/?ref=zilck.com), praising the action sequences, entertainment value, and Elle Fanning's standout performance that brings unexpected levity to the typically dark franchise.​

Notably, *Badlands* is the first PG-13 entry in the main franchise, a decision that initially raised eyebrows but ultimately hasn't deterred audiences from flocking to theaters, with a production budget of $105 million—the most expensive *Predator* film to date—the strong opening positions it well for profitability.​

Dan Trachtenberg has now achieved a clean sweep with three consecutive critically and commercially successful *Predator* films, cementing his status as the franchise's savior and proving that innovation, not repetition, is the key to revitalizing legacy properties.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a3/28/a3280dcb-1c7d-4319-b381-3cd1a47b463a/content/images/2025/11/GpO1sJkbIAAuPQV.jpg)

©2025 20th Century Studios