Hold onto your seats, movie fans, because Predator: Badlands is roaring into theaters with a staggering $4.8 million in preview earnings—and it’s already sparking debates. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this PG-13 sequel a bold new direction for the franchise, or a tame departure from its gritty roots? Directed by Dan Trachtenberg, the film follows a young, outcast Predator who teams up with Thia (played by Elle Fanning) on a perilous quest across a remote planet. While it’s outpacing 2018’s The Predator in early numbers, it’s still trailing behind Alien: Romulus—a franchise reboot that raked in $6.5 million in previews. And this is the part most people miss: Badlands is a sequel to Prey, which debuted on streaming during the pandemic, making its theatrical performance even more intriguing.
With a $105 million budget (before marketing) and a PG-13 rating, the stakes are high. Critics like JoBlo’s Chris Bumbray call it “super fun” but note its tamer tone, suggesting its success might hinge on how fans feel about the franchise’s evolution. Shot in New Zealand with the help of tax credits, the film aims to breathe new life into the series—but will it satisfy die-hard fans or alienate them? Bold question: Can a Predator movie truly thrive without the R-rated edge we’ve come to expect? Let’s not forget, The Predator opened to just $2.5 million in previews before a $24.6 million weekend, so Badlands is already ahead of the game. But with a PG-13 rating, will it attract a broader audience or lose its edge? Share your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate you won’t want to miss!
