Get ready for some serious undead action! Zach Cregger’s new take on the iconic survival horror franchise, Resident Evil movie, is hitting theaters on September 17th, and early projections are suggesting it could be the biggest opening weekend ever for a Resident Evil film. While previous installments have been profitable thanks to relatively modest budgets, this one is expected to deliver a knockout punch at the box office.
A Box Office Bloodbath?
According to industry analysts at the National Association of Theater Owners and reported by Box Office Pro, the new Resident Evil movie is projected to rake in between $40 and $50 million domestically during its opening weekend. That’s almost double the earnings of Resident Evil: Afterlife, which debuted way back in 2010 with a respectable $26.6 million. The film’s brisk runtime of approximately 95 minutes also allows theaters to maximize revenue by showing it multiple times throughout the day.
If these projections hold true, Resident Evil will be on par with Cregger’s previous release, Weapons, which debuted at $43.5 million and ultimately grossed an impressive $270 million worldwide. This would also represent a significant improvement over 2021’s Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City, which was unfortunately considered a box office disappointment with earnings of only $42 million.
Can It Maintain the Momentum?
The real question is whether Resident Evil can maintain its momentum beyond that crucial opening weekend. While many films experience a rapid decline in viewership after their debut, Cregger’s films tend to have staying power. Currently, Resident Evil: The Final Chapter holds the title of the highest-grossing film in the franchise, with a global box office haul of $312.2 million.
A Fresh Take on a Classic
Beyond the potential for massive financial success, this new Resident Evil movie offers something unique: an original story crafted by someone who is clearly passionate about the source material. Early trailers have showcased several Easter eggs that will delight longtime fans, and the film stars Austin Abrams as an “idiot” courier who stumbles into Raccoon City at the worst possible time. The cast also includes Zach Cherry, Johnno Wilson, Paul Walter Hauser, and Kali Reis.
Whether you’re a seasoned Resident Evil veteran or a newcomer eager to experience the horror, this film promises to be an event worth checking out. Get ready for some undead action!
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