Photo Credits: Dariusz Wolski & Sony (”Resident Evil”)
Resident Evil (Sony)
BOT Domestic Opening Weekend Forecast Range: $44 — 53 million
Key Tracking Factors & Rationale:
Final tracking signals are very good for Zach Cregger’s directorial follow-up to Weapons, which bowed to $43.5 million stateside a little over a year ago as an original story/horror-driven genre-blend.
Resident Evil’s bread and butter as an IP rests with male audiences and the gaming community, with the added encouragement that appeal among the under 35-40 demographics is running a bit stronger than the likes of Mortal Kombat II. That pic scored $38.5 million back in May, marking the best-ever start for an R-rated video game translation to the big screen. As we’ve been reporting in long range forecasts, Resident Evil has a great shot at that milestone.
Walk-up potential could be notable because of that as Gen Z has shown up regularly for a number high-profile theatrical releases this year.
Reviews are adding to the positive momentum: After 62 submissions from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, Resident Evil stands at a remarkable 97 percent fresh — an especially high mark in the context of the horror and video game adaptation genres.
Due to the male-driven and IP factors, Thursday previews could create some higher degree of front-loading relative to non-sequel horror pics (like Cregger’s own Weapons). IMAX and premium screen footprints will run the gamut for the most part (although The Odyssey will retain many 70MM IMAX shows), while word of mouth will determine how high the weekend and chase weeks can go.
Weekend Forecast
(click or tap chart to expand)
All forecasts above are subject to revision prior to the start of the weekend and will be notated accordingly. Theater counts are estimated unless otherwise stated.
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