The Predator Franchise Roars Back to Life: Can ‘Badlands’ Break a 20-Year Record?
After weeks of box office doldrums, there’s finally a glimmer of excitement this weekend, and it’s all thanks to Predator: Badlands. Disney/20th Century Studios’ latest installment in the iconic franchise is poised to deliver its strongest opening since Alien vs. Predator in 2004. That film raked in $38.3 million in its debut, and Badlands is hot on its heels, projected to pull in around $37 million, according to Deadline. That’s a significant leap from earlier predictions, though when adjusted for inflation, the number feels more modest. Still, it’s a win for the franchise, especially considering the last entry, Prey, bypassed theaters entirely for a Hulu release. With an A– CinemaScore, the buzz is undeniably positive, and 20th Century Studios likely has reason to celebrate—especially since it’s not far off from last year’s Alien: Romulus performance. On a modest budget, these films can become evergreen moneymakers for the studio.
But here’s where it gets controversial... The film’s PG-13 rating has divided fans. Was Disney’s move to attract younger audiences a smart play, or a misstep? It’s hard to say definitively, especially since Alien: Romulus went the R-rated route and still edged out Badlands in its opening—though it did debut during the summer blockbuster season. Next weekend’s The Running Man, with its hard R rating, will be a fascinating test case in comparison.
Meanwhile, Regretting You, the Colleen Hoover adaptation, is expected to secure second place with around $6.5 million, while The Black Phone 2 trails behind at $4.2 million. Sony Classics’ Nuremberg, expanding to more theaters this weekend, is projected to open with $3.5 million. Notably absent from the early reports is Christy, the Sydney Sweeney-led boxing biopic, which earned a solid B+ CinemaScore. On the flip side, Die My Love, starring Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson, bombed with audiences, earning a D+ rating—though, let’s be honest, its dark descent into madness wasn’t exactly crowd-pleasing material.
And this is the part most people miss... While Badlands is stealing the spotlight, it’s worth asking: Are studios striking the right balance between accessibility and staying true to a franchise’s roots? The PG-13 rating might have broadened Predator’s appeal, but at what cost to its gritty, R-rated legacy? And with The Running Man doubling down on a hard R, which approach will audiences favor in the long run?
We’ll dive into the full weekend box office breakdown tomorrow. But for now, we want to hear from you: Are you catching Predator: Badlands or any other film this weekend? And what’s your take on the PG-13 vs. R-rated debate? Let us know in the comments—we’re all ears!
