‘Resident Evil’ exceeds all franchise expectations with $8M-$9M previews and a 91% audience score, signaling a strong debut. Tracking predicts a $40M-$50M weekend take.
Zach Cregger’s latest installment of Resident Evil has made a significant mark at the box office, recording the highest preview earnings in the franchise’s history. The film earned between $8 million and $9 million in previews, surpassing all prior records for this long-standing series based on the popular Capcom video game. This impressive performance not only indicates strong initial audience interest but also sets the stage for a successful opening weekend.
The new Resident Evil film outperformed previous entries in the franchise, including the 2016 film, Resident Evil: The Final Chapter, which managed only $1 million in previews. The strong opening is projected to range between $40 million and $50 million, further reflecting favorable market reception. Audience scores are also strong, with Rotten Tomatoes reporting a notable 91% audience rating, significantly higher than the original 2002 film's 67% rating—indicating a renewed enthusiasm for the franchise.
The film features a net production budget of $75 million, backed by Constantin and Sony. With ticket sales figures being reported from distribution channels, these numbers may still shift as the weekend progresses. Industry experts are closely observing whether this new iteration can effectively compete against past horror films, particularly given the mixed reception of earlier installments. Cregger's vision aims to provide a more authentic adaptation of the Resident Evil games, which could resonate well with both fans and new audiences alike.
This performance could reflect changing audience preferences, especially as the film aims for a faithful adaptation of the games. In the context of similar horror franchises, Cregger's previous film, Weapons, secured $5.75 million in previews, while Scream 7 opened with $7.8 million. Such comparisons help to contextualize Resident Evil's projected box office trajectory, illustrating its potential to carve a distinct path in the genre. Analyzing the franchise’s history, it is evident that the better critical reception of this installment aligns with a shift in audience taste and expectations for horror adaptations.
The successful preview earnings highlight not only the potential for a solid opening weekend but also signal a resurgence of interest in the Resident Evil franchise. As it aligns itself more closely with the source material, the film is gaining positive critical and audience reactions, positioning it for a robust box office performance. This revitalized interest could pave the way for future projects, depending on the success of this film. The franchise seems set for recovery following a series of lukewarm releases, with the new direction under Cregger promising fresh opportunities.
For more about the Resident Evil series and its film adaptations, check out our articles on the Resident Evil Video Game Easter Eggs and how Resident Evil compares to other recent horror adaptations.
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