Predator: The Forgotten Realms sets record: 40 million and a new era for the legendary series
09.11.2025Yautja returns: a roaring start, the best reviews in the history of "Predator" and a second wind for the action film
November 2025 was a special one for science fiction fans. Predator: The Lost World opened with $40 million in the US, an all-time record for the series and a sign that audiences are tired of online platforms and are returning to theaters for real entertainment.1. Worldwide total – $80 million in opening weekend: no previous Predator film had such a simultaneous impact in different countries2.
Full theaters: recaps, new characters, and the return of the mythical hunter
40 million was dreamed of back in the 90s, but only "The Forgotten Lands" managed to do so. According to Fox and Disney studios, the film earned 15,6 million on its first day and immediately took first place at the US and world box offices.1China (7,4 million), Britain (3,2), Mexico (2,3), France (1,8), Japan (1,7) — the series has not known such a triumph since the days of "Alien vs. Predator."
Elle Fanning stars in the lead role, the first time in the series’ history that there’s been a “duet” for the young Yawtji. The film moves the action from Earth to an alien planet, and director Dan Trachtenberg, who already had the success of “Prey,” adds unexpected depth and human drama even to the alien characters.
Why "Forgotten Lands" is a breakthrough: audience reviews, critics, meanings
85% positive reviews from critics, “Predator” has never had such a start, the audience gives 96% satisfaction3CinemaScore: A- (a rating never before given to a franchise, even in the golden age of 1987); Metacritic: 71 out of 100 ("generally favorable").
Critics note: Trachtenberg “turned the rules” of the series, made Yautza and Fanning a real pair of heroes — “as if Cameron had filmed “Terminator 2”, showing the entire story from the robot’s perspective.” They especially praise the cinema hall and large-format screenings, the visual power, the atmosphere and the renewed sense of humor.
Impact on the industry and the future of "Predator"
The premiere of "The Lost Lands" opened up space for Disney to experiment with the franchise in the future. A sequel is already in the works, costing over $100 million, and fans are returning to the previous installments, re-listening to the catchphrases from the first film with Arnold Schwarzenegger.
A successful start is a reason for a new takeoff of Ukrainian and European cinemas, a chance for a legendary story to restart in a modern way, and an example of how strong direction and new faces give legends a second life.
Sources
- Variety: "Predator: Badlands" opens with record $40 million
- Deadline: The film hit a record at the global box office — 80 million
- Rotten Tomatoes: Fresh reviews and the best start in franchise history
- Hollywood Reporter: Predator is back — and revitalizing the global box office
