Zach Cregger's latest foray into the world of zombie horror, Resident Evil, is making waves at the global box office, officially becoming the director's highest-grossing film to date. The movie, distributed by Sony/Constantin, has now surpassed Cregger's previous record holder, New Line's Weapons, which concluded its theatrical run with a worldwide total of $270 million.
The crucial push for Resident Evil's success came from its recent theatrical debut in China. After opening on Monday, the film quickly amassed $20 million through Monday and Tuesday, with projections indicating a robust $35 million for its opening week in the Middle Kingdom. This strong showing has propelled Resident Evil's global cumulative total beyond the $280 million mark, a significant leap from the $245.4 million it had accumulated through its third weekend prior to the China release, as reported by Deadline.
The robust performance in China is hardly a surprise, given the Resident Evil franchise's long-standing popularity in the region. Capcom's iconic game series has deeply permeated Chinese culture, laying a fertile ground for the films. The Milla Jovovich-led Resident Evil: The Final Chapter, for instance, was a massive hit in 2017, raking in an impressive $159.5 million in China alone, accounting for more than half of its global tally. That film remains the highest-grossing Resident Evil installment worldwide, followed by 2010's Resident Evil: Afterlife with $300.2 million.
Cregger's Resident Evil has been well-received by Chinese audiences, reflected in its strong Douban score of 7.2. This critical approval has translated into impressive box office numbers, outperforming other horror releases in China this year, such as Obsession ($4.8M), Backrooms ($5.2M), and even reportedly surpassing the opening of Alien: Romulus ($26.1M) in 2024.
Looking ahead, Zach Cregger has a busy slate. His next project is the original sci-fi film Flood at Warner Bros., with Oscar winner Jennifer Lawrence attached to star. That film is currently slated for an August 11, 2028 release. Additionally, a prequel to Weapons, titled Gladys, is in the works, currently undergoing rewrites before seeking a director, with a release date set for September 8, 2028, through New Line. The current success of Resident Evil undoubtedly solidifies Cregger's growing influence and commercial appeal in Hollywood.