What's Happening?
Predator: Badlands, directed by Dan Trachtenberg, has become the most successful film premiere on Hulu since the release of Prey in 2022, garnering nearly 9 million views worldwide within its first five days. The film, part of the long-standing Predator franchise, previously set records with a $40 million domestic and $80 million global opening, culminating in $184.5 million worldwide. The franchise has grossed over $925 million globally. Hulu reports that the Predator series has been streamed for over 300 million hours on Disney+ and Hulu, with new content added to the Predator Creators Collection.
Why It's Important?
The success of Predator: Badlands underscores the growing influence of streaming platforms like Hulu in the film industry, particularly for franchise
films. This trend reflects a shift in how audiences consume media, with streaming services becoming a primary venue for film premieres. The high viewership numbers highlight the potential for streaming platforms to rival traditional box office releases in terms of audience reach and engagement. This development could influence future distribution strategies for major studios, potentially prioritizing streaming releases over theatrical ones.
