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Resident Evil Opens Strong With $26.3M Opening Day

Early praise, a B+ CinemaScore, and studio weekend estimates will shape whether Sony greenlights sequels and keeps the gameplay‑first reboot approach.

Overview

  • The film earned $26.3 million on its opening day Friday and was the No. 1 new release at the North American box office.
  • Sony estimates the three‑day opening at roughly $53–55 million while some rival trackers project a weekend closer to $60 million.
  • Early critical response has been positive and audiences gave the title a B+ CinemaScore, an unusually high grade for an R‑rated horror.
  • Zach Cregger’s R‑rated reboot uses an original protagonist, game‑inspired camera and resource motifs, and heavy practical creature effects rather than legacy game characters.
  • Studios will use the full weekend returns and word‑of‑mouth to decide on sequels and whether this practical, gameplay‑forward model becomes the franchise template, with the previous franchise opening high at $26 million in 2010 providing a direct benchmark.