'Resident Evil' Reboot Sets Franchise Record with $8.8M in Previews
Sony's 'Resident Evil' reboot, directed by Zach Cregger, earned $8.8 million in previews, the highest total ever for the franchise. The film is projected to open between $40 million and $60 million domestically this weekend. Produced on a $75 million budget, it follows Cregger's previous horror hit 'Weapons.'
The $8.8 million preview haul marks a significant step up from Cregger's prior feature, which drew $5.7 million in its own early screenings before climbing to a $43 million opening weekend. That film ultimately grossed $270 million globally, giving the studio confidence in the director's horror instincts. With a production budget of $75 million, the reboot needs a strong domestic debut to justify its investment, though current tracking suggests it will land comfortably in the $40 million to $60 million range. Positive critical reception has pushed some analysts toward the higher end of that projection, positioning the film as a potential franchise relaunch rather than a one-off.
This performance could signal renewed commercial viability for video game adaptations, a category that has historically struggled to translate gaming audiences into moviegoers. If the film meets its projections, it may encourage studios to greenlight more ambitious horror-adjacent projects with moderate budgets and director-driven visions. The success could also bolster Cregger's standing as a reliable box office draw, potentially reshaping how studios approach genre filmmakers. Theater owners, still recovering from pandemic-era attendance dips, may view this as another data point supporting the continued strength of theatrical horror releases.