Sony and Constantin’s revival of Resident Evil is poised for an infectious box-office debut this weekend. Zach Cregger’s fresh take on the iconic survival-horror franchise is already earning rave reviews (96% Certified Fresh) and is projected to open to a franchise-best $80 million worldwide.
Although the film has not yet opened, early critical reception and industry tracking already mark significant achievements. It is the best-reviewed Resident Evil film in the franchise’s 24-year history, holding a 97% Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes—far surpassing the largely negative scores of previous entries. A projected $80 million worldwide opening would also exceed the global debut of Cregger’s Weapons ($70 million), according to Deadline.
Resident Evil’s Accomplishments So Far:
- The Highest-rated Video Game Film Adaptation in Rotten Tomatoes History- It is currently sitting at 97% (Certified Fresh) based on 90+ reviews. It debuted even higher (around 96–98%) and holds a clear lead over the previous record holder, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (86%).
- The best-reviewed Resident Evil film in the Franchise’s history– Many are familiar with the franchise’s Live-Action film adaptations, Cregger’s film is the best reviewed by a wide margin. The earlier entries typically scored in the teens to low 40s on Rotten Tomatoes
- Being described as ‘The Best Video Game Adaptation’ ever- Early reactions from the film press and multiple outlets have already deemed Resident Evil as “The Best Video Game Adaptation Ever,” even calling it a true horror blockbuster.
- Earning a New York Times Critic Pick- It is also earning high praise from News Media, the New York Times described the film as “the most raucously entertaining thrill ride of the year.“
- Surpassing Barbarians and Weapons– Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil has already surpassed Cregger’s other work that includes Companion (93%), Weapons (93%) and Barbarian (92%). It was confirmed by Deadline that this new film will exceed the global debut of Weapons ($70 million).
The new movie follows Bryan (Austin Abrams), a medical courier headed for a drop-off at Raccoon City General Hospital, who finds himself heading into an non-stop race for survival as one fateful, horrifying night begins to collapse around him.
Zach Cregger is directing the new Resident Evil film from a script he co-wrote with Shay Hatten (John Wick: Chapter 4). Constantin Film is producing and co-financing the project. The cast includes Austin Abrams in the lead role, alongside Zach Cherry, Kali Reis, and Paul Walter Hauser. The producing team features Robert Kulzer, Zach Cregger, Roy Lee, Miri Yoon, Carter Swan, and Asad Qizilbash, with executive producers Oliver Berben, Victor Hadida, Richard Wright, and Robert Bernacchi. The film debuts in theaters on September 18, 2026.
AD: Prime Big Deal Days is coming soon, check out today’s Featured Prime Day Deals
This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, we’ll receive a percentage of the sale. Whatever purchase through the affiliate links helps the site.
Resident Evil known as Biohazard (バイオハザード) in Japan is Capcom’s iconic Japanese horror video game franchise that launched in 1996 and redefined the survival horror genre. It remains one of the highest-grossing and best-selling video game franchises of all time, with over 170 million copies sold worldwide as of March 2025. The series has expanded far beyond games into live-action films, animated movies, TV series, comics, novels, a newly announced 30th Anniversary Exhibition, and merchandise.
From the mind of visionary filmmaker Zach Cregger (Weapons, Barbarian) comes a thrilling — and terrifying — reinvention of the Resident Evil franchise. In an all-new story, Resident Evil follows Bryan (Austin Abrams), a medical courier who unwittingly finds himself in an action-packed, non-stop race for survival as one fateful, horrifying night collapses around him in chaos.
Source: Deadline
Thanks for reading! If you have any suggestions, news tips, or questions, email them to: webmaster@bigrednerd.com.
Follow Me on Social Media!
Red's Nerd Den 