Zach Cregger's latest Resident Evil film has defied skepticism and achieved the franchise's best opening weekend at the global box office. The film, noted for its quirky and comedic approach, earned $108.3 million worldwide in its debut. This figure significantly outperforms previous installments, with projections suggesting it may surpass all but one of the Milla Jovovich-led films in total earnings.
The US market contributed $60 million to the opening weekend total, while international markets added $48.3 million, according to Deadline. This debut performance positions the film as the second-highest horror opening of the year, trailing only "Backrooms." Notably, the original 2002 Resident Evil film, starring Milla Jovovich, grossed a total of $102.9 million. The series' financial performance saw fluctuations in subsequent entries, with 2016's "Resident Evil: The Final Chapter" being a notable exception, achieving $312 million globally, with half of that generated in China.
Cregger's decision to diverge from the series' established heroes, such as Leon S. Kennedy and the Redfields, and instead focus on an everyday character like medical delivery driver Bryan, played by Austin Abrams, was a point of discussion prior to release. The film's blend of absurdist comedy with horror elements creates a unique viewing experience, offering surprising moments of tension and shock due to its less predictable narrative. The grounded story of Bryan navigating a chaotic and dangerous situation, coupled with his relatable reactions, reportedly resonated with audiences.
Meanwhile, game developer Capcom is working on a remake of the classic Resident Evil game, Code: Veronica, which is slated for release next year under the title Resident Evil Veronica.