Directed by Zach Cregger, the latest installment of the Resident Evil franchise has surpassed the longstanding box office record previously held by ‘Resident Evil: The Final Chapter’ since 2017. This new adaptation has already amassed over $320 million worldwide, marking it as the highest-grossing film in the series’ history.
For nearly fifteen years and six films, Milla Jovovich was the defining face of the franchise on the big screen. Despite mixed critical reception and notable departures from the original video game narratives, Jovovich’s portrayal of Alice helped transform Capcom’s game series into a lucrative film property. However, the recent reboot has now eclipsed the financial achievements of the previous films, including Jovovich’s final appearance.
Released in mid-September, the new Resident Evil film launched its U.S. debut with an impressive $60.1 million opening weekend. This figure more than doubles the franchise’s prior best opening weekend of $26.6 million set by ‘Resident Evil: Afterlife’ in 2010, signaling a strong resurgence for the series under Cregger’s direction.
A fresh direction for the franchise
Steering away from the approach of former director Paul W. S. Anderson, Cregger’s film presents an original storyline centered on Bryan, a medical courier portrayed by Austin Abrams. The narrative unfolds during a night fraught with a sudden outbreak and escalating chaos, marking a new chapter for the cinematic universe of Resident Evil.
