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Predator: Badlands Nears $100 Million as Twist Ending and Alien Link Reshape the Franchise

A PG-13 pivot toward character-focused storytelling signals a broader approach to Yautja lore.

Overview

  • After seven days, the film has reached $53.3 million domestically and $92.5 million worldwide, with tracking pointing to a $100 million global total in its second weekend.
  • The movie delivered the franchise’s biggest opening weekend and holds a Certified Fresh score in the mid‑80s on Rotten Tomatoes, supporting strong legs at the box office.
  • Dan Trachtenberg centers a Yautja protagonist for the first time and leans into coming‑of‑age and found‑family themes, marking a deliberate tonal shift from past entries.
  • On‑screen inclusion of a Weyland‑Yutani synthetic provides an explicit connection to the Alien universe, reinforcing cross‑franchise continuity.
  • Trachtenberg says the surprise ending works on its own yet leaves room for continuation, though a follow‑up has not been announced.