Predator: Badlands’ Box Office Triumph Masks Franchise Uncertainty

Dan Trachtenberg’s latest entry in the Predator saga has been met with critical acclaim, continuing his run of well-received instalments and injecting fresh energy into a series that had lost its way after the 2018 release. Yet, despite the positive reception, the financial results present a rather different narrative.

Although this chapter has now overtaken Alien Vs. Predator to become the highest earner in the franchise, it still falls short of the $200 million milestone. The film’s global takings have reached $180 million, a figure that, while impressive within the context of the series, does not quite deliver the commercial success the studio might have hoped for.

Financial Realities and Franchise Prospects

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

Following the commercial and critical disappointment of Shane Black’s previous effort, this return to cinemas was seen as a chance to restore the brand’s reputation. Yet, even as it claims the top spot in the franchise’s box office rankings, questions remain over its profitability. With a reported production budget of $105 million and a further $70 million spent on marketing, the break-even point is estimated at around $262.5 million. The current box office haul leaves that target rather distant.

Still, it would be premature to label the project a failure for Disney. The franchise has found a new audience on Disney+, and there is every expectation that digital releases will bolster its financial performance. The crowded November release schedule, featuring major sequels like Wicked 2 and Zootopia 2, also made for a challenging environment, particularly for a property making its cinematic comeback. Trachtenberg’s stewardship has restored some faith in the brand, and further instalments are anticipated, though their future on the big screen is less certain.

Streaming May Shape the Series’ Future

Given the franchise’s recent success on Disney+, the underwhelming box office for this latest outing could prompt the studio to reconsider its approach. Trachtenberg, who has yet to falter with the series, is reportedly already developing ideas for a follow-up. However, there is a real possibility that future entries may bypass cinemas altogether in favour of streaming releases.

Should the next chapter return to an R-rating, as many expect, it could further complicate its prospects for box office success. The competitive landscape and the franchise’s evolving identity may well push Disney to focus on digital platforms, where the series has already demonstrated its appeal.

Critical Response and Audience Reception

Despite the financial challenges, the film has been warmly received by both critics and audiences. It currently holds a 7.4/10 rating on IMDb and an 86% Tomatometer score (with a 95% audience rating) on Rotten Tomatoes. The box office total stands at $180.2 million, reflecting strong interest even if it falls short of blockbuster status.

Looking ahead, the next instalment is expected to offer another distinctive take, in keeping with the director’s previous efforts. With a less crowded release calendar and the goodwill generated by recent entries, there remains hope that the franchise can still deliver impressive results—whether in cinemas or on streaming platforms.

Predator: Badlands is currently showing in cinemas.