By Jeremy Fuster

Perhaps the box office recovery this month won’t be as much of a slow ramp-up as expected. Disney/20th Century’s “Predator: Badlands” set a franchise record with a $40 million opening weekend, the highest ever for a solo “Predator” movie, even after inflation adjustment. 

With a reported budget of around $105 million, it still has a long way to go to be a true hit for 20th Century. But the outlook for the film is way better than “Tron: Ares,” a $180 million film that has only grossed $137 million worldwide, as “Badlands” is enjoying strong word-of-mouth that includes the best CinemaScore grade for a “Predator” film at A-.