Predator: Badlands is outperforming every projection, pulling in more than $39 million for the weekend — blowing past the earlier $25 million estimates and setting a new record for the Predator franchise.
Update: Box office is reported to be higher at $40M, with another $40M internationally for an $80M worldwide opening. Budget is reported to be $105 million.
The Dan Trachtenberg–directed sequel is now the biggest domestic opening in 38 years of the franchise, topping Alien vs. Predator’s $38.2 million debut back in 2004 (not counting inflation).
A Strong Weekend Surge
The film held impressively throughout the weekend. Saturday delivered $14 million, only a 10% drop from Friday’s $15.6 million (including $4.8M from Wednesday and Thursday previews).
Critics, Fans, and CinemaScore All Coming In Hot
The strong opening lines up with the early reception:
- Rotten Tomatoes Critics Score: 85%
- Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 95%
- CinemaScore: A-
Those numbers are better than both Prey and the original Schwarzenegger classic, giving Badlands one of the best receptions the franchise has ever seen.
A Big Win for Elle Fanning
The movie also marks a major milestone for Elle Fanning. Badlands is now her second-best domestic opening ever, sitting right behind Maleficent ($69.4M) and ahead of Maleficent: Mistress of Evil ($36.9M).
