Zach Cregger's Resident Evil: expected to have the biggest opening in history
Intelligence Summary
- Zach Cregger's Resident Evil film is expected to open big, with estimates of $40-50 million. What this could mean for the franchise.
Briefly summarized
- Zach Cregger's Resident Evil film could achieve the biggest opening ever for the franchise.
- The film is expected to earn between $40 and $50 million in its opening weekend.
- That would far surpass the previous record holder, Resident Evil: Afterlife.
GAME-scanner analysis
Zach Cregger, known for his work in horror and comedy, is taking the helm of Capcom's latest Resident Evil film adaptation. With an expected opening of $40 to $50 million in September 2026, the movie looks well positioned to break the record set by Resident Evil: Afterlife in 2010, which opened with $26,650,26. This is a notable development, especially given the mixed reactions to earlier films in the franchise. The high expectations are partly driven by the growing popularity of horror movies and the strong fanbase behind the games.
Cregger has said his film will not be a direct 1:1 adaptation of the games, which could mean new elements and storylines that appeal to both new and longtime fans. That could bring a fresh wind to the franchise, which has often been criticized in the past for its inconsistencies with the source material.
What does this mean for players?
For fans of the Resident Evil games, this film could be an exciting chance to experience the iconic characters and stories in a new way. The decision not to follow the game storyline strictly may lead to surprising twists and a fresh take on familiar elements. It could also pave the way for more films in the future, depending on the success of this release.
Timeline
2002: The original Resident Evil film is released, with an opening weekend of $17.7 million.
2010: Resident Evil: Afterlife achieves the highest opening weekend with $26,650,26.
2026-09-01: Expected opening weekend for Zach Cregger's Resident Evil.