“Predator: Badlands” led North American theaters with an estimated $40 million debut, giving the box office a much-needed boost after the worst weekend of 2025, according to studio estimates Sunday.
The eighth installment in the franchise, written and directed by Dan Trachtenberg, also earned $40 million internationally for Walt Disney Co.’s 20th Century Studios, according to The Associated Press.
With a $105 million budget, it is the most expensive “Predator” film to date.
Not accounting for inflation, the $40 million domestic launch surpasses 2004’s “Alien vs. Predator” opening of $38.3 million. “Badlands” features a young predator, played by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, who encounters an android researcher, portrayed by Elle Fanning, on a remote planet. Reviews have been strong, with an 85% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an “A-” CinemaScore from audiences.
The successful debut comes after a challenging stretch for theaters. AMC posted a $298.2 million quarterly loss, and October 2025 marked the lowest-grossing month for theaters in nearly 30 years.
Other new releases struggled. Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson’s “Die My Love” opened to $2.8 million from 1,983 theaters, earning a “D+” CinemaScore. Sydney Sweeney’s “Christy” debuted with $1.3 million from 2,011 theaters, while Sony Pictures Classics’ “Nuremberg” earned $4.1 million in 1,802 theaters.
Amazon MGM’s “Sarah’s Oil” led the newcomers with $4.5 million from 2,410 locations, receiving a rare “A+” CinemaScore. Neon’s Cannes prize-winner “Sentimental Value” opened in four theaters with $200,000, a $50,000 per-screen average, marking the third-best per-screen debut of the year.
The strong performance of “Predator: Badlands” helped Disney seal its fourth consecutive year with $4 billion in worldwide ticket sales. With anticipated releases like “Zootopia 2” and “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” the studio is positioned to surpass $5 billion in 2025.
Top 10 Domestic Box Office (Estimated Friday–Sunday)
- “Predator: Badlands” – $40M
- “Regretting You” – $7.1M
- “Black Phone 2” – $5.3M
- “Sarah’s Oil” – $4.5M
- “Nuremberg” – $4.1M
- “Chainsaw Man” – $3.6M
- “Bugonia” – $3.5M
- “Die My Love” – $2.8M
- “Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere” – $2.2M
“Tron: Ares” – $1.8M
