Zach Cregger’s reboot of ‘Resident Evil’ is projected to earn between $53 million and $55 million during its opening weekend, a significant success for the franchise.
The newly released reboot of Resident Evil, directed by Zach Cregger, is projected to earn between $53 million and $55 million during its opening weekend, marking a notable comeback for the long-standing franchise. Sources from The Hollywood Reporter confirm that this film has already made approximately $26.3 million on its opening day, bolstered by $8.8 million earned from Thursday previews.
Sony Pictures has reported that this opening weekend performance exceeds initial expectations, which anticipated around $40 million. Moreover, the movie has garnered an impressive B+ CinemaScore from audiences, reflecting a positive reception among viewers.
Zach Cregger’s installment has emerged as a favorite among critics, achieving a 96% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, making it the best-reviewed horror film of the year. The film’s audience score stands at 92% as well. This positive feedback highlights how Cregger has successfully created a narrative that resonates with both audiences and critics, making this reboot a standout entry in the franchise.
In his review for The Hollywood Reporter, critic Frank Scheck praised Cregger’s ability to blend horror and humor, emphasizing that the film is a "propulsive, simultaneously terrifying and hilarious thrill ride."
The Resident Evil franchise, which began with Paul W.S. Anderson's original film in 2002, has had varying levels of success over the years, with previous titles collectively earning more than $1.2 billion worldwide. This reboot has opened in 3,684 North American theaters and carries a production budget of $75 million. If projections hold, this could mark the highest-grossing opening for any film in the Resident Evil series, surpassing notable previous records.
Following the underwhelming performance of the 2021 reboot, Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City, this new release underscores a shift towards revitalizing the franchise. The film's leads include Austin Abrams as a medical courier navigating a viral outbreak in Raccoon City, along with a cast featuring Zach Cherry, Kali Reis, and Paul Walter Hauser.
In addition to the success of Resident Evil, other films are competing this weekend. Warner Bros.' Practical Magic 2 is projected to earn around $10.4 million, while Sony's Spider-Man: Brand New Day is expected to collect $6.3 million, continuing its dominant run well into its eighth weekend. Meanwhile, The Odyssey and Coyote vs. Acme are also contributing to the box office landscape, adding to a diverse weekend for moviegoers.
The strong opening for Zach Cregger's Resident Evil signifies an important moment for both the franchise and the horror genre as a whole. With critics and audiences responding positively, this film could redefine future projects associated with the Resident Evil brand. The reported figures indicate a rekindling of interest in video game adaptations, prompting potential discussions in Hollywood about future projects that may follow, although specifics on any forthcoming films remain unannounced. This success could also influence marketing strategies for upcoming horror films, leveraging the blend of critical and commercial appeal demonstrated by this reboot.
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