Hold onto your seats, movie fans, because the box office just got a whole lot more exciting! Predator: Badlands has roared into theaters, shattering franchise records and proving that this iconic series still has some serious bite. But here's where it gets controversial: despite its impressive $40 million domestic debut (and another $40 million overseas), some argue it hasn’t truly surpassed the inflation-adjusted domestic record held by Alien vs. Predator. So, is this new installment the undisputed champion, or does the past still reign supreme? Let’s dive in.
Directed by Dan Trachtenberg, Predator: Badlands has defied expectations, surpassing predictions that capped its opening weekend at $25 million. With a global haul of $80 million and a solid A– CinemaScore, it’s poised to become a major player in the franchise’s history. But this isn’t just a win for the Predator series—it’s a victory for Disney and 20th Century Studios, reaffirming that this franchise can still dominate the big screen after Prey’s Hulu-exclusive release. And this is the part most people miss: the film’s PG-13 rating could be a game-changer, potentially drawing in a younger audience. But will it hold up against next weekend’s R-rated contender, The Running Man? Only time will tell.
Meanwhile, the rest of the box office was relatively quiet. Regretting You secured second place with $7.125 million, a rare 9% drop in its third weekend, thanks to the enduring appeal of Colleen Hoover’s fanbase. The Black Phone 2 continued its strong run, adding $5.3 million to its $70 million domestic total. Indie films like Sarah’s Oil and Nuremberg also held their own, though the latter may find its true audience on streaming platforms.
Speaking of streaming, Chainsaw Man: The Movie is wrapping up its theatrical run with $3.8 million, bringing its domestic total to $38 million. On the flip side, Yorgos Lanthimos’s Bugonia struggled, earning just $3.5 million for a lackluster $12 million total. It’s unlikely to break the $20 million mark, leaving fans and critics alike scratching their heads.
Now, let’s talk about the weekend’s biggest surprises—or should we say, disappointments. Die My Love, starring Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson, bombed with a dismal $2.8 million opening, despite Mubi’s $24 million acquisition. Its D+ CinemaScore doesn’t bode well, but could streaming save the day? Even more shocking, Sydney Sweeney’s Christy failed to crack the top ten, earning a mere $1.3 million. Ouch. Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere also fizzled out, ending its run with $2.2 million and a $20 million domestic total. Rounding out the top ten was Tron: Ares, which added $1.8 million to its $71 million haul.
Looking ahead, next weekend promises a showdown with three major releases: The Running Man, Now You See Me: Now You Don’t, and Keeper. Which one will you be lining up for? And here’s a thought-provoking question: With Predator: Badlands setting new records, is this the start of a franchise revival, or just a fleeting moment of glory? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take!
