Get ready to dive into the fierce world of box office battles, where the latest installment in the Predator franchise, Predator: Badlands, is making waves! Directed by Dan Trachtenberg, this highly anticipated film raked in an impressive $4.8 million during its preview screenings, which included both Wednesday fan events and Thursday night shows. But here's where it gets controversial: Is this enough to outshine its sci-fi cousin, Alien: Romulus, which snagged $6.5 million in previews? While Romulus went on to debut with a robust $42 million domestically, it’s worth noting that it carried an R-rating and hit theaters in mid-August 2024. Meanwhile, Badlands is drawing comparisons to Ballerina, another female-led action film from Disney, which earned $3.8 million in previews before opening at $24.5 million. And this is the part most people miss: Badlands is already outperforming The Predator (2018), which managed only $2.5 million in Thursday previews before a $24.6 million opening weekend. Could this signal a new era for the franchise? The stakes are high, especially when you consider that Alien vs. Predator (2004) still holds the domestic box office record with $38.2 million, followed by Predators (2010) at $24.7 million. But Badlands isn’t just about numbers—it’s about legacy. With a production cost of $105 million (before marketing) and filmed in New Zealand with tax incentives, Trachtenberg’s vision builds on the success of Prey, the direct-to-Hulu release that became the platform’s most-watched premiere in August 2022. Critics argued Prey deserved a theatrical release, and now Badlands is answering that call. On Rotten Tomatoes, Badlands is already a fan favorite, scoring a staggering 96% audience approval—surpassing the original 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger film’s 87%. Yet, Prey remains the critical darling at 94%. Here’s the bold question: Can Badlands redefine the Predator franchise, or will it fall short of its predecessors? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this debate is just heating up!
