RE Movie Action Breaks Records
The world of horror movie adaptations is buzzing, and the latest entry from the legendary Resident Evil franchise is proving that terror, when handled right, can deliver massive box office returns. Director Zach Cregger’s new film officially released today, September 18, and the results are already spectacular.
Even before the official release, the movie set the stage for a staggering success. During its Thursday previews, the film already banked over $9 million in the US, setting a new record for the series. This incredible opening performance solidifies Resident Evil’s place as a cinematic powerhouse.
The anticipation surrounding the film is only growing. Experts are now predicting that the first weekend could see the movie gross between $40 million and $50 million, with the potential to soar even higher.
This isn’t just a big opening; it’s a historical milestone. The film has achieved a benchmark that no other installment in the Resident Evil series has touched: a record for Thursday night previews. The previous record for this achievement in the franchise was $1 million, set by 2016’s .
The momentum is undeniable. The film is currently outpacing even the director’s previous work, , which had a Thursday preview haul of $5.75 million and a weekend total of $43.5 million.
The critical response has been equally enthusiastic. Reviewers have showered the film with praise, awarding it an impressive 8/10 from GameSpot. This success further cements Resident Evil’s status as the highest-rated video game adaptation ever put to the screen.
While the box office numbers are phenomenal, the conversation doesn’t stop at the dollars. Director Cregger remains an active voice in the franchise, having hinted at sequel ideas. However, he has also made it clear that he is finished with the business of franchise filmmaking. He acknowledged that his vision for further installments didn’t align with the expectations of hardcore fans, who reportedly rejected his ideas that didn’t feature any characters or stories from the beloved games.