**“Predator: Badlands” Roars to $80 Million Global Debut, Setting Franchise Records**
“Predator: Badlands” has clawed its way to an impressive $80 million at the global box office, marking the biggest debut in the nearly 40-year-old franchise. Directed by Dan Trachtenberg, this ninth installment surpasses the previous record held by Shane Black’s 2018 reboot, *The Predator*, which opened with $73.5 million (not adjusted for inflation).
The latest *Predator* installment pulled in $40 million domestically in North America and another $40 million across 52 international markets. Notably, “Badlands” also overtook the domestic opening record held by 2004’s *Alien vs. Predator*, which amassed $38 million, also unadjusted for inflation.
Internationally, this release marks the franchise’s second-best start after *The Predator*’s $48.9 million. Top overseas markets include China with $7.4 million, the United Kingdom at $3.2 million, and Mexico with $2.3 million in ticket sales.
**About the Film**
Directed by Dan Trachtenberg, who previously helmed the critically acclaimed *Prey* (2022) and the animated *Predator: Killer of Killers* (2023) — both of which premiered on Hulu — *Predator: Badlands* is the franchise’s first theatrical release since Disney acquired 20th Century Fox. The original *Predator* film debuted in 1987 starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, establishing the iconic series.
With a production budget of $105 million, *Badlands* follows an outcast alien hunter (played by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi) and his unlikely ally (Elle Fanning) as they embark on a dangerous journey to defeat a menacing adversary.
**Factors Behind the Success**
Several key elements are driving the strong box office numbers for *Predator: Badlands*. The film has received solid reviews and stellar word-of-mouth, helping build momentum. Additionally, the movie is performing exceptionally well on premium-large-format screens like IMAX, known for higher ticket prices.
Another noteworthy factor is its PG-13 rating, a departure from the predominantly R-rated *Predator* films. This broader rating expands the film’s appeal, attracting family audiences beyond the typical core demographic of boys and men.
**Looking Ahead: Box Office Season Preview**
*Predator: Badlands* is helping to reinvigorate what had been a dismal October at the box office. November is expected to remain strong with the upcoming releases of *Wicked: For Good* and *Zootopia 2* around Thanksgiving. December also promises to deliver big hits with titles like *Five Nights at Freddy’s 2*, Sydney Sweeney’s psychological thriller *The Housemaid*, and *Avatar: Fire and Ash* rounding out the year on a high note.
**Other Box Office Highlights**
Elsewhere, Paul Thomas Anderson’s *One Battle After Another*, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, is rapidly approaching a major milestone. The comedic action thriller has earned $196.8 million globally, including $127.4 million from overseas markets, and is poised to surpass the $200 million mark soon.
This achievement is particularly notable for an original, R-rated film with a nearly three-hour runtime. *One Battle After Another* is now the highest-grossing film of Anderson’s career, surpassing his 2007 Western *There Will Be Blood*, which earned $76.4 million worldwide.
Despite its strong box office performance, Warner Bros. invested more than $130 million in making the film. Considering that theater owners retain roughly 50% of ticket sales, *One Battle After Another* is currently on track to lose around $100 million during its theatrical run.
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*“Predator: Badlands”’ success and *One Battle After Another*’s strong showing underscore a dynamic and evolving box office landscape as the industry heads into a busy holiday season.*
https://variety.com/2025/film/box-office/predator-box-office-badlands-global-record-one-battle-after-another-milestone-1236573502/
