Sony's reboot of 'Resident Evil' is projected to make $45 million in its debut, revitalizing early fall box office.
Sony's upcoming horror-comedy reboot of the iconic franchise "Resident Evil" is projected to debut with impressive domestic ticket sales of approximately $40 million to $50 million. This announcement was made public by Variety on September 16, 2026.
According to Variety, the initial estimates suggest that with strong reviews and positive word-of-mouth, it is possible that ticket sales could exceed $50 million and approach $60 million. This would position the film as a commercial success and a notable entry in the franchise's history.
The "Resident Evil" franchise, which originated as a video game in 1996, has expanded into a multi-platform entertainment juggernaut, comprising video games, films, and television adaptations. The franchise first hit the big screen in 2002 with the release of the film starring Milla Jovovich, who portrayed Alice in five subsequent films that grossed over $1 billion globally. In contrast, 2021's "Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City" struggled with a global haul of only $42 million, creating anticipation for this new reboot, which marks the second remake and eighth installment of the series.
This iteration is directed by Zach Cregger, known for his breakout hit "Weapons." That film opened with $43 million and received critical acclaim, solidifying Cregger's rising status in the industry. His success at the box office has heightened expectations for how this reboot will resonate with audiences, particularly since it stands as the only major release in theaters this weekend.
If projections hold, the "Resident Evil" reboot is expected to achieve the largest opening weekend of the franchise to date. Previous films typically opened in the $20 million range, making this debut a significant marker for what audiences can expect from horror comedies in the current marketplace. Notably, the previous highest-grossing film of the series, "Resident Evil: Afterlife," opened to $26 million but ultimately finished with a $300 million global box office haul.
With the combined success of Cregger's previous work and the strong marketing push from Sony, theater operators are optimistic that the film can revitalize the early fall box office, which has historically struggled during this time of year. This release is crucial as it signifies a shift in the audience's appetite for horror entries after the lukewarm response to prior adaptations.
As the weekend approaches, all eyes will be on the box office performance of "Resident Evil." Set to be the only major release, the film should capture substantial traffic and excitement. Future implications for the franchise and the wider horror-comedy genre hinge on its performance, especially as competing titles prepare to launch in subsequent weeks.
The anticipated performance of "Resident Evil" may influence future projects from Sony and potentially reshape the landscape of horror cinema moving forward, especially if it successfully captures the interest of both fans and new audiences alike.
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