Zach Cregger’s quirky Resident Evil film proves skeptics wrong with series-best opening weekend
eurogamer.net Sep 21, 2026

Zach Cregger’s quirky Resident Evil film proves skeptics wrong with series-best opening weekend

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Zach Cregger’s latest Resident Evil film opened to a record $108.3 million worldwide, eclipsing every previous entry in the franchise. The box‑office split was $60 million in the United States and $48.3 million abroad, making it the second‑largest horror opening of the year behind “Backrooms.” The comedy‑driven take, starring Austin Abrams as delivery driver Bryan, forgoes iconic characters such as Leon Kennedy and the Redfields in favor of an everyday perspective. Critics had debated the tonal shift, but audiences responded with strong ticket sales that already surpass the total gross of the original 2002 Milla Jovovich film. The success arrives as Capcom prepares a remake of the 1999 game “Resident Evil: Code Veronica,” slated for next year, and could reshape future franchise adaptations worldwide.

💡 Why It Matters

  • · The film proves that a fresh, comedic lens can revitalize a long‑running horror brand, opening new creative avenues for studios and fans alike.