Sony’s horror-comedy adaptation of “Resident Evil” is positioned to achieve the highest opening weekend in the long-running franchise’s theatrical history. The studio is projecting domestic ticket sales between $40 million and $50 million for the film’s debut, though industry observers tracking word-of-mouth and critical reception believe it could exceed $50 million and approach $60 million. The production carried a $75 million budget.
The film marks the second remake and eighth installment in the “Resident Evil” series, which originated as a 1996 video game before expanding across multiple media formats. Previous theatrical adaptations include the original five-film series starring Milla Jovovich, released between 2002 and the 2010s, which collectively earned $1 billion globally. Sony’s prior reboot attempt, 2021’s “Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City,” underperformed commercially with $42 million worldwide against a $25 million budget. The franchise’s highest-grossing theatrical entry to date is 2010’s “Resident Evil: Afterlife,” which generated $300 million globally on a $26 million domestic opening.
Director Zach Cregger, who helmed last August’s “Weapons,” returns to helm the new adaptation. That thriller opened to $43 million domestically and achieved significant commercial success, ultimately earning $270 million globally while winning an Academy Award for Amy Madigan. The new “Resident Evil” reunites Cregger with “Weapons” actor Austin Abrams, who leads the cast as a medical courier navigating a viral outbreak in Raccoon City. Critical reception has been positive, with reviewers noting the film’s distinction within the franchise.
The film faces minimal direct competition this weekend. Industry observers note that the autumn box office slate will intensify in the coming weeks, with multiple releases scheduled for the following weekend and additional high-profile films entering theaters before the end of September.
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