UPDATE: In a stunning debut, Predator: Badlands has shattered box office records, earning a remarkable $40 million domestically during its opening weekend and a total of $80 million worldwide. The film, directed by Dan Trachtenberg, is set in a distant future, exploring new territories within the Predator and Alien franchises.
Trachtenberg spoke to Variety about the decision to place the film far into the future, even beyond the timeline established in Alien: Resurrection. He emphasized that this choice allows Badlands to stand apart from concurrent projects like Alien: Romulus. “I wanted to ensure we were doing our own thing,” he stated, highlighting his excitement to explore a new time period after his previous work on Prey.
Critics and audiences alike are responding positively, with Predator: Badlands boasting a “Certified Fresh” critical score and an impressive 95% “Verified Hot” audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes. This success marks a significant milestone for the franchise, as it has already surpassed the total earnings of Predator 2, which grossed $54.8 million globally.
The film features a Yautja named Dek and a synthetic character, Thia, created by the infamous Weyland-Yutani Corporation. The distinct future setting opens up a plethora of narrative possibilities and paves the way for potential sequels. Trachtenberg’s approach allows for the continuation of their stories without conflicting with other ongoing projects in the franchise.
As audiences anticipate what’s next, there are hopes for future sequels, building on the excitement generated by the current film. While no sequel has been officially confirmed yet, the overwhelming success of Badlands signals that discussions are likely underway. Trachtenberg’s strategic placement of the story allows for greater flexibility in future developments, ensuring that they remain separate from ongoing Alien narratives.
With Predator: Badlands making waves in theaters, fans are eager to see how this new chapter will unfold. The film’s unique setting and compelling characters have already captured the imagination of both critics and audiences, setting a high bar for the future of the Predator and Alien franchises. Stay tuned for further updates as the box office numbers continue to roll in and discussions about sequels intensify.
