Predator: Badlands is set to shake up the autumn box office with an estimated global opening of $60 million or more, with a significant chunk of that coming from the U.S. and Canada. This marks a promising turn for the genre, especially with the potential to attract a younger audience. The film's unique twist on the classic Predator franchise, where the alien hunter becomes the prey, has already garnered attention and positive reviews, with a fresh 88% rating following its Hollywood premiere. But what's even more intriguing is how it stacks up against previous entries in the series and other fall releases.
The film's director, Dan Trachtenberg, has a proven track record of revitalizing the 20th Century Fox franchise with his Hulu movie Prey, which became a streaming sensation. This time, the film's PG-13 rating broadens its appeal, potentially drawing in younger viewers who typically shy away from the R-rated Predator films. Early ticket sales indicate a strong start, comparable to Ballerina and The Accountant 2, but slightly behind Tron: Ares. However, the franchise's history and consistent release schedule since the original 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger film give Predator: Badlands an edge.
Predator: Badlands will be released in premium formats on Wednesday, followed by general previews on Thursday. It will hit international markets this weekend, starting with France, Korea, the Netherlands, and Indonesia, and expanding to major markets like Australia, Brazil, Germany, Italy, and Mexico on Thursday. The offshore projection is optimistic, estimating a strong $35 million to $38 million performance. However, it's worth noting that the previous Predator film, The Predator (2018), faced challenges in the current market and didn't reach the same heights in China, where it led presales on Friday but not on other weekend days.
Despite these challenges, the international box office for the 2018 film was impressive, with $95 million in international sales (at today's rates). The new film's cast, including Elle Fanning, Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, and Trachtenberg, has been promoting it through red-carpet events, Comic-con panels, and interviews, generating buzz and excitement among fans. Additionally, several other upscale adult movies are set for North American release, each expected to bring in low-single-digit millions, further diversifying the autumn box office offerings.
