Zach Cregger’s upcoming film, simply titled Resident Evil, is on track to become the highest-grossing entry in the franchise’s box office history during its opening weekend, according to early projections. The Sony Pictures release aims to eclipse the domestic record long held by 2010’s Resident Evil: Afterlife, which earned $26.6 million at the box office upon debut.
According to Variety, distributors are targeting an opening haul between $40 million and $50 million domestically, though some industry observers believe the film could climb as high as $60 million. Deadline reports that overseas markets are expected to contribute approximately $31 million, bringing the global total to around $80 million in its first days of release. Given that Sony reportedly invested $75 million into production alone—excluding marketing costs—a figure near $80 million would represent a strong commercial launch for the studio.
A Director with a Horror Track Record
Cregger arrives at the franchise carrying considerable momentum following his work on breakout horror films, including Weapons. Sony is clearly banking on that same creative energy translating to sustained audience interest in Resident Evil. The film’s apparent path toward inevitable success comes even as it navigates deep-seated skepticism from a segment of the fanbase.
The project drew criticism early on when it was confirmed that Cregger’s adaptation would not feature characters from the video games or retell any stories already established in them. Instead, the director has charted an independent course, crafting a horror story set within the Resident Evil universe that references some of the video games’ tropes. This approach has divided longtime followers who had hoped for a more faithful adaptation.
“I think I was naive. I thought fans of these games, like me, would be thrilled that somebody was coming along and turning Resident Evil into a survival horror movie. I did not really appreciate the sentiment that, ‘We’ve been waiting forever for Leon’s story.’ And I appreciate that, and I’m sorry that’s not the story I’m bringing.”
Zach Cregger
Awarding Its Own Identity
The film has received a solid critical reception, with IGN awarding it an 8 out of 10. In its review, the outlet praised the director’s distinctive vision: “With a laser focus on putting its hero through the worst night of his life, Resident Evil is a simple and exciting survival horror story that benefits greatly from director Zach Cregger’s sensibilities.”
Cregger has openly addressed the friction with fans, describing his experience navigating their doubts as feeling like he was “on an apology tour.” In a recent conversation with IGN’s Tom Jorgensen, the director reflected on how his understanding of the fanbase evolved throughout production.
“This is not me just telling a story and slapping Resident Evil on it so I can get a budget. This is me telling a Resident Evil story. I understand the resistance, I do, because I have it myself. It is coming from a true place of love.”
Zach Cregger
The director added that his only hope fans would watch the film regardless of their skepticism and “feel seen” upon viewing it. He emphasized that the movie contains abundant affection for the source material, even as it departs from established narratives.
A Daunting Legacy to Top
While Cregger’s film aims to dominate opening weekend numbers, topping the franchise’s all-time global earnings remains a formidable challenge. Afterlife ultimately grossed $300 million worldwide across its theatrical run. That record was later surpassed by Resident Evil: The Final Chapter, which closed out Paul W. S. Anderson and Milla Jovovich’s tenure with $312 million globally in 2017 and remains the highest-grossing entry in the series.
Beyond the box office projections, Cregger has shared additional insights into his filmmaking process over recent weeks. He revealed that he removed most of the film’s jokes after test audiences reportedly found it “too funny,” signaling a deliberate shift toward a more serious tone. The director also disclosed who he would cast as Lady Dimitrescu had the opportunity ever arisen.
As opening weekend figures continue to solidify, Resident Evil will be measured not only against its predecessors but against the expectations Cregger himself set for audiences hoping to recognize his love for the games in a fresh cinematic interpretation.
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