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Predator: Badlands Scores Franchise-Best No. 1 Opening Weekend

A PG-13 approach drew broader audiences despite online debate over tone and canon.

Overview

  • Badlands debuted with $40 million domestic and $80 million worldwide, topping projections and setting a new opening record for the franchise.
  • Audience response was strong, including an A- CinemaScore and high Rotten Tomatoes scores, with premium formats accounting for 59% of ticket sales.
  • The reported ~$105 million budget means the film’s profitability will hinge on box-office legs over the coming weeks.
  • Discussion online has focused on the film’s softer PG-13 tone, with criticism about a 'Disneyfied' direction and chatter sparked by a THR review’s joking 'queer Predator' line, though the movie makes no reference to the character’s sexuality.
  • The inclusion of Weyland‑Yutani has renewed canon debates about Alien ties, and Marvel will release a Badlands prequel comic on November 12.