Zach Cregger’s reboot opens well above “Weapons” in previews as Sony’s video game adaptation eyes the biggest domestic debut in “Resident Evil” history
Sony’s “Resident Evil” is off to the strongest preview start in franchise history, collecting $8.8 million from Thursday screenings as director Zach Cregger’s reboot heads into its first full weekend in theaters.
The opening-night performance gives the R-rated horror film considerable momentum entering the weekend. Industry estimates have ranged from roughly $40 million to $50 million domestically, while stronger projections have moved north of $60 million following the preview results and positive early reception.
That would easily surpass the franchise’s domestic opening-weekend record.
“Resident Evil: Afterlife,” released in 2010, opened with about $26.6 million in North America before finishing with roughly $300 million worldwide. Cregger’s film has already established a new franchise record for previews.
The $8.8 million start is also significantly ahead of Cregger’s previous film, “Weapons,” which generated about $5.7 million from previews before opening to more than $43 million domestically.
That comparison matters for Sony.

