‘Resident Evil’ Storms Into Theaters With $8.8 Million From Box Office Previews

Zach Cregger’s latest horror film is set for a $60 million-plus opening weekend September 18, 2026 @ 7:54 AM Sony Sony/Columbia’s “Resident Evil” is off to a strong start at the box office, earning $8.8 million from Thursday preview screenings alongside high marks from early audiences. Earlier this week, Zach Cregger’s adaptation of the Capcom video game series was tracking for a $40 million-plus opening similar to the $43.5 million opening of his 2025 film “Weapons.” But after critics hailed the film as the best “Resident Evil” adaptation yet with a 96% Rotten Tomatoes score on Wednesday, advance sales quickly accelerated. With this preview result, “Resident Evil” is now set for an opening weekend north of $60 million, which would clear the $26.6 million franchise record set by the Milla Jovovich film “Resident Evil: Afterlife” even after inflation adjustment. Audience reception from Thursday previews is also strong with a 90% audience Rotten Tomatoes score and 4.5/5 on PostTrak. More to come…