'Resident Evil' Reboot Eyes Record Opening Weekend at Box Office
Sony's horror-comedy reboot of 'Resident Evil' is projected to earn between $40 million and $50 million in its domestic debut, with some tracking suggesting it could approach $60 million. Strong reviews and positive word-of-mouth are driving expectations for a franchise-best opening. Theater operators are hoping the film will revitalize the early fall box office.
The reboot arrives as a major test for Sony's long-running franchise, which previously spanned six films starring Milla Jovovich and grossed over $1.2 billion worldwide. This new iteration shifts toward a horror-comedy tone, a deliberate departure from the action-heavy approach of earlier installments. Early critical reception has been notably warmer than the original series typically received, with reviewers praising the blend of scares and humor.
The projected $45 million debut would surpass the franchise's previous best domestic opening, set by 2002's original film. Theater owners view the release as a crucial catalyst for the early fall season, a historically sluggish period between summer blockbusters and holiday releases. A strong performance could signal sustained audience appetite for theatrical horror-comedies, a subgenre that has seen mixed results in recent years.
This release may serve as a bellwether for the theatrical exhibition industry during a traditionally soft box office window. If the film meets or exceeds projections, it could encourage studios to schedule more mid-budget genre fare outside peak seasons, potentially diversifying release calendars. For audiences, the film's success may validate the horror-comedy format as a mainstream draw, while theater operators could gain confidence in programming non-franchise tentpoles during off-peak months.