New Resident Evil Movie Could Smash Franchise Opening Weekend Records

Remember when you first stepped into Raccoon City and felt that chill? Well, get ready to feel it again, because the new Resident Evil movie is poised to make history. According to Box Office Pro, Zach Cregger's take on the beloved survival-horror franchise is projected to have the biggest opening weekend ever for a Resident Evil film. We're talking a massive $40 to $50 million in North America alone—that's nearly double what Resident Evil: Afterlife pulled in back in 2010 with $26.6 million. And with a lean 95-minute runtime, theaters can pack in more screenings, which could boost those numbers even higher.

If those projections hold, we're looking at a debut that rivals Cregger's last hit, Weapons, which opened to $43.5 million and went on to gross $270 million globally. That's a strong sign that this new Resident Evil could have serious staying power. But it's a stark contrast to 2021's Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City, which bombed with just $42 million total. So, what's different this time? Cregger is a massive fan of the franchise, and he's crafted an original story that's packed with Easter eggs for longtime fans. Early trailers have already shown off some cool nods, and that's got people excited.

Let's talk numbers for a sec. The current champion, Resident Evil: The Final Chapter (2017), holds the global record with $312.2 million. Afterlife isn't far behind at $300.2 million, followed by Retribution ($240M), Extinction ($148M), Apocalypse ($129M), and the original 2002 film ($103M). Welcome to Raccoon City sits at the bottom with $42M. If Cregger's movie hits that $40-50M opening, it's not just a strong start—it could be the start of a new era for the franchise.

But here's the question: can it keep the momentum going past that first weekend? Horror movies often drop off fast, but Cregger's films have a reputation for having long legs. Plus, with an original story that draws on the lore fans love, there's potential for repeat viewings. The plot follows a courier (played by Austin Abrams) who's described as an "idiot" and wanders into Raccoon City at the worst possible time. The cast also includes Zach Cherry, Johnno Wilson, Paul Walter Hauser, and Kali Reis, so there's plenty of talent to bring this nightmare to life.

Mark your calendars for September 17. If the predictions are right, this could be the Resident Evil movie we've been waiting for. Will you be there on opening weekend? Or are you waiting to see what the critics say? Let us know in the comments!