Resident Evil Reboot Wins Early Praise Ahead of Sept. 18 Release

Q: With an $80 million budget at stake, can Zach Cregger's relentless zombie nightmare break franchise box office records this weekend?

Yes—based on current tracking, Zach Cregger’s *Resident Evil* has a strong chance to set a new domestic opening record for the franchise this weekend, though how far it climbs depends on whether it expands beyond core horror and gaming fans. The key benchmark is clear: the series’ biggest North American debut remains *Resident Evil: Afterlife* at $26.65 million in 2010. Current tracking for the new film is already above that, with most estimates in the $30 million to $40 million range and some reports suggesting presales could push it toward $50 million or higher. Even the conservative end of that range would likely be enough for a franchise-best domestic start. The film’s momentum is being helped by several factors. Early reactions have been unusually strong for a *Resident Evil* movie, with critics praising its intensity, creature effects, humor and fidelity to the games’ horror tone. Cregger’s post-*Barbarian* and post-*Weapons* profile is also a commercial asset, especially with younger male moviegoers, where tracking suggests the strongest interest. Sony’s IMAX and premium-format rollout should further lift opening-weekend grosses. The main risk is reach. The movie uses an original protagonist rather than iconic game leads like Leon or Jill, and that could limit turnout among some longtime fans. For an $80 million production, breaking the opening-weekend record is likely; becoming a major theatrical hit will depend more on word of mouth and staying power after launch.

3 articles · Updated · Variety · Sep 16

First reactions from film critics called Zach Cregger’s “Resident Evil” reboot a standout horror entry, with several describing it as among the best video game adaptations.
Reviews praised relentless suspense, gore and jump scares, while singling out Austin Abrams’ turn as a medical courier caught in a zombie outbreak at Raccoon City General Hospital.
Cregger’s take also drew attention for skipping franchise staples like Leon S. Kennedy and Jill Valentine in favor of an original story—a choice that had already unsettled part of the fandom.
Sony opens the film in theaters on Sept. 18, testing whether strong early buzz can lift a franchise that has already spawned 7 films and more than $1.2 billion in global box office.