Resident Evil Film targets $100M global start
A new chapter in the horror saga is poised to explode onto the big screen. Zach Cregger’s latest foray into the Resident Evil franchise is not just chasing box office numbers; it is aiming for a monumental worldwide opening, potentially shattering previous records.
The hype is real. Tracking data suggests the film is on track for a global opening exceeding $100 million, marking the first time a Resident Evil title has achieved such staggering success since the release of Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
The financial outlook is robust. While the film is currently showing a domestic debut estimated between $40 and $50 million, overseas markets are expected to drive significant revenue, with an initial start projected closer to $60 million or more.
In an effort to capitalize on this global enthusiasm, Sony has significantly ramped up the global press tour. Director Cregger and star Austin Abrams are currently heading to Brazil as part of this expanded promotional push.
This ambitious project follows a rocky track record. A previous attempt at a big-screen reboot, Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City from 2021, struggled to gain traction, ultimately grossing only $41.9 million worldwide.
The franchise has seen its share of critical and audience friction. Some segments of the dedicated fanbase have voiced concerns over the shift toward an entirely original narrative, feeling it deviates from the established lore of the iconic characters.
Cregger, however, has addressed this resistance head-on, offering insight into the creative choices behind the new film. Speaking recently, he acknowledged the disappointment felt by many fans who have waited for specific stories within the series.
“I think I was naive,” Cregger admitted, explaining his perspective. “I believed that fans of these games, like myself, would be excited that someone was turning Resident Evil into a proper survival horror film. I didn’t truly grasp the sentiment of ‘we’ve been waiting years for Leon’s story.’ I appreciate that, and I’m sorry this isn’t the story I’m bringing. I understand the disappointment. I’m not just telling a story and slapping the Resident Evil name on it to secure a bigger budget. I’m telling a Resident Evil story. I understand the resistance because I feel it too. This all comes from a place of genuine love.”
Despite the debate over creative direction, the momentum is undeniable. With the film set to open in cinemas on September 18th, it remains poised to deliver exactly the kind of high-stakes horror experience that has captivated audiences for years.
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