‘Resident Evil’ Reboot Sets Franchise Record With $60 Million Opening

Zach Cregger's "Resident Evil" reboot opened with $60 million domestically, setting a new franchise record and far exceeding expectations for the horror film based on the video game series. The debut more than doubles the previous franchise high of $26 million set by 2010's "Resident Evil: Afterlife." Sony's $75 million production, starring Austin Abrams, earned strong reviews with a 96% Rotten Tomatoes score and a B+ CinemaScore, boosted by Cregger's reputation following his successes "Barbarian" and "Weapons." The film topped the weekend box office, with "Practical Magic 2" taking second at $12 million and "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" third with $6.5 million. The previous "Resident Evil" reboot, 2021's "Welcome to Raccoon City," failed commercially with $42 million worldwide.