Topline
Sony’s reboot of the “Resident Evil” shattered franchise records for its biggest opening ever after grossing an estimated $60 million over the weekend, according to early numbers reported by the Hollywood trade publications, notching another big win for “Weapons” and “Barbarian” director Zach Cregger.
It’s also the biggest opening so far for director Zach Cregger, whose film “Weapons” was a breakout hit in 2025.
Sony Pictures Via Getty Images
Key Facts
“Resident Evil,” the first new film in the franchise adapted from the beloved video game series since 2021, opened in theaters over the weekend to the tune of$60 million at the domestic box office.
The previous biggest opening for the franchise was “Resident Evil: Afterlife,” which grossed $26.6 million during its opening weekend in 2010.
Analysts were expecting the film would be a hit and likely break that record, but “Resident Evil” still managed to surpass expectations and gross significantly more than its $40 million-$50 million projections.
It’s also a new career best for Cregger, breezing past the $43.5 million opening weekend for “Weapons” in 2025.
Surprising Fact
Cregger’s reboot of the franchise has already grossed over twice as much as the last film in the “Resident Evil” franchise during its entire run in North American theaters. “Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City” bombed after it debuted in 2021, and only opened with about $5.3 million at the domestic box office. It grossed about $17 million over the course of its entire run in theaters in North America, and only $41.9 million globally.
What to Watch For
With such a strong opening, “Resident Evil” could become Cregger’s biggest hit yet as a horror director. However, “Weapons” turned into a runaway success last year with sustained interest after its opening, ultimately grossing $151.5 million at the domestic box office and $270 million worldwide. Cregger also worked with a much bigger budget for the new film, reportedly about $75 million, compared to a reported budget of $38 million for “Weapons”
What Else Was A Hit At Theaters This Weekend?
“Practical Magic 2,” the sequel to the 1998 Sandra Bullock classic, managed to hold on to second place for its second weekend in theaters, grossing an estimated $11 million, according to early numbers reported by the Hollywood trade publications. In third place, “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” grossed another roughly $6.5 million over its eighth weekend in theaters, days after breaking the record to become the highest-grossing film in domestic box office history. The superhero flick has now grossed about $944 million just in North America alone.
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