Predator: Badlands Sets Franchise Record but Faces Uncertain Future

Predator: Badlands has brought a fresh spark to a franchise that had lost its way after the 2018 installment. Under Dan Trachtenberg’s direction, the series has earned back some of its reputation, but the numbers at the box office reveal a more complicated reality. Even though the film has outperformed all previous entries, including Alien Vs. Predator, it still hasn’t managed to cross the $200 million mark worldwide.

Box Office Highs and Lows

Despite its status as the top-grossing film in the Predator series, Badlands is projected to finish its theatrical run with about $180 million globally. That’s a significant achievement, but it falls short of what’s needed to turn a profit. The production budget was $105 million, and with an estimated $70 million spent on marketing, the film’s financial break-even point is much higher. According to industry standards, a movie typically needs to make at least 2.5 times its production cost to be considered profitable. For Badlands, that would mean around $262.5 million.

PREDATOR: BADLANDS is topping out at just $180M at the global box office, leaving @Disney on the hook for an ~$80M loss, after spending $105M on production + ~$70M in marketing.

The third-biggest box office bomb of 2025.

Full rankings of this year's biggest flops dropping soon. pic.twitter.com/fyQHeeSq8h

Competition and Streaming Prospects

Badlands marked the franchise’s return to theaters after the previous film struggled both critically and commercially. While it’s the most successful entry in terms of ticket sales, the crowded November release schedule made things tough. Major sequels like Wicked 2 and Zootopia 2 dominated the box office, making it harder for Badlands to stand out. Still, the movie is expected to perform well once it hits digital platforms, especially given the franchise’s recent success on Disney+.

Dan Trachtenberg’s work has been credited with reviving the brand, and there’s talk of continuing the saga. However, the future of theatrical releases for the series is now in question. The studio may consider focusing on streaming for upcoming installments, especially if the numbers don’t improve in theaters.

What’s Next for the Franchise?

With the franchise finding new life on Disney+, the underwhelming box office for Badlands could prompt Disney to rethink its strategy. Trachtenberg is reportedly already developing ideas for another chapter, but there’s a chance future films could skip theaters altogether. If the next movie returns to an R-rating, it might face even more challenges at the box office.

Despite these hurdles, the creative direction under Trachtenberg has kept the series feeling fresh. Fans can look forward to new experiences in future entries, and with a less crowded release calendar, the franchise could still see stronger results. For now, Predator: Badlands continues its run in theaters, leaving the door open for what comes next.