Rebecca Ferguson's Sci-Fi Flop: The Rise of 'Predator: Badlands' at the Global Box Office
By Rahul Malhotra, Weekend News Writer for Collider
In a thrilling turn of events, director Dan Trachtenberg's 'Predator: Badlands' has shattered box office records, crossing the $100 million mark just 10 days after its theatrical release. This achievement not only recovers the film's reported $105 million budget but also ensures the franchise's longevity. Trachtenberg's previous work, the 2022 prequel 'Prey', had already established his talent, and now 'Badlands' solidifies his position in the industry.
The movie's success is remarkable, surpassing the original 'Predator', its sequels, and even the 2010 reboot 'Predators' and 2018's 'The Predator'. The series has expanded into the 'Alien' universe, and the studio is reportedly planning another crossover. The 'Alien' franchise itself found new life with Fede Álvarez's 'Alien: Romulus', which grossed around $350 million globally last year.
'Predator: Badlands' Surpasses Sci-Fi Competition
Despite featuring a star-studded cast, including Ryan Reynolds, Rebecca Ferguson, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Hiroyuki Sanada, the film's success is not solely attributed to its talent. The movie's global gross of $101 million is a testament to its appeal. Interestingly, 'Badlands' has outperformed several science fiction titles, such as 'Transcendence', 'Chappie', and 'Life', which were previously considered box office duds.
The film's audience scores are equally impressive, with a near-perfect 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, far surpassing the 68% score of its predecessor. The positive reception and critical acclaim have solidified 'Predator: Badlands' as a hit, leaving fans eager for more.
Release Date and Details
'Predator: Badlands' is currently playing in theaters, and its success has sparked discussions about the franchise's future. With a runtime of 107 minutes and a release date of November 5, 2025, the film has already left a lasting impact on the sci-fi genre.
The movie's writers, Dan Trachtenberg, Patrick Aison, John Thomas, and Jim Thomas, along with producers Brent O'Connor, John Davis, Marc Toberoff, Dan Trachtenberg, and Ben Rosenblatt, have contributed to its success. The film's crossover potential with the 'Alien' series adds to its allure, making it a must-watch for sci-fi enthusiasts.