Resident Evil Reboot Earns $8.8 Million in Previews

Sony's new "Resident Evil" movie reboot has generated $8.8 million in Thursday night preview screenings, establishing a new franchise record for preview earnings. This figure positions the film for a strong opening weekend, with projections estimating a domestic gross between $40 million and $50 million. The film, directed by Zach Cregger, known for his work on "Weapons," represents an original take on the popular horror video game franchise. The "Resident Evil" series, which originated in 1996 with the release of the first video game by Capcom, has a long history of adaptations, including a previous film series starring Milla Jovovich. This latest installment aims to revitalize the cinematic universe with a fresh narrative and directorial vision. The success of preview screenings often serves as an indicator of a film's potential box office performance, with strong preview numbers typically translating to robust opening weekend receipts. The $8.8 million preview gross surpasses previous entries in the "Resident Evil" film franchise, signaling significant audience interest in this new iteration. The film's performance will be closely watched as it competes in a crowded summer box office landscape. The original "Resident Evil" video game was a critical and commercial success, spawning numerous sequels and spin-offs that have sold over 135 million units worldwide as of February 2024, according to Capcom. The franchise's enduring popularity across different media formats underscores its significant cultural impact. The "Resident Evil" reboot's narrative approach, described as an original take, suggests a departure from the storylines of previous film adaptations, potentially appealing to both long-time fans and new audiences. Zach Cregger's involvement as director and writer brings a distinct creative voice to the project, which is expected to contribute to its unique identity within the horror genre. The film's box office trajectory will be a key factor in determining the future direction of the "Resident Evil" franchise on the big screen. The $40 million to $50 million domestic projection indicates a confident outlook from Sony Pictures, reflecting the studio's expectations for the film's broad appeal. This preview performance is a critical first step in achieving those ambitious opening weekend targets. The franchise's history of video game to film adaptations has seen varied critical reception, making this reboot's performance particularly noteworthy for its potential to redefine the series' cinematic legacy. The $8.8 million figure is a concrete measure of immediate audience engagement, setting a high bar for subsequent box office milestones.