According to a report from Deadline, the new 'Resident Evil' feature pulled in a remarkable $8 million to $9 million in preview showings. This figure not only represents a strong performance for a horror film but also utterly demolishes previous franchise records. To put it in perspective, the previous high for a 'Resident Evil' film's previews was 2016's 'Resident Evil: Final Chapter,' which managed $1 million.

This early financial success is complemented by an overwhelmingly positive reception from viewers. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has secured an impressive 91% audience score, a significant leap for the franchise. The previous best audience score belonged to the original 2002 'Resident Evil' film, which garnered 67%. Critics have also responded favorably, with the film currently holding a 96% certified fresh rating, marking it as the series' best-reviewed entry to date.

Industry insiders are now projecting a strong opening weekend, with initial estimates of $40 million to $50 million potentially being surpassed. Some believe the film could even climb above the $50 million mark, a testament to its strong word-of-mouth and Cregger's vision. The director has publicly stated his intention to craft a more authentic adaptation of the video games, a goal that appears to be resonating with both long-time fans and new viewers.

The film's preview numbers also stand out when compared to other recent genre releases. While direct comparisons are always nuanced, 'Resident Evil' outpaced the previews of Zach Cregger's own 'Weapons' ($5.75M), 'Mortal Kombat 2' ($5.2M), and even 'Sonic the Hedgehog 3' ($6.5M). While it didn't quite match 'Scream 7's' $7.8M, tracking sources advise against a direct comparison due to the unique circumstances of that film's release.

The Sony/Constantin production, budgeted at a net $75 million, is playing across various premium formats, including PLF and IMAX screens. While these initial figures are sourced from distribution channels rather than the studio itself, they paint a clear picture of an exciting and triumphant return for the 'Resident Evil' franchise on the big screen.