Zach Cregger's 'Resident Evil' Tops Opening Weekend Box Office
The new 'Resident Evil' reboot earned $108.3 million worldwide in its first weekend, surpassing the total gross of the original 2002 film, and solidifies director Zach Cregger's rising market value.
The latest "Resident Evil" film, directed by Zach Cregger, generated $108.3 million globally during its opening weekend, with $60 million from U.S. theaters and $48.3 million from overseas markets. The original 2002 "Resident Evil" had accumulated just under $103 million worldwide by the end of its theatrical run. While inflation-adjusted figures favor the earlier film, the strong debut highlights the reboot's commercial appeal.
Cregger, whose recent projects include "Barbarian" and "Weapons," has been recognized as a prominent director in industry rankings. "Barbarian" earned $46.2 million on a $4.5 million budget, and "Weapons" grossed $270 million against a $38 million budget while receiving an Oscar for Amy Madigan's performance.
The new "Resident Evil" carries a production budget of $75 million, suggesting a profitable outcome for its financiers. The film revives a franchise that struggled after the 2021 "Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City" earned $42 million on a $25 million budget and a related television series was cancelled in 2022. Industry observers anticipate further sequels, and Cregger's track record may make it easier for him to secure future projects.
"Resident Evil" confirms that its writer and director is one of the hottest talents in Hollywood, Vulture recently placed him as the 17th most powerful director in its filmmaker rankings.
"Weapons" was a juggernaut, grossing $270 million against a $38 million budget and winning an Oscar for Amy Madigan’s performance.