entertainment•Sun, September 20, 2026•4 min read

Why Everyone Is Talking About Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil Right Now

Director Zach Cregger has officially revitalized the Resident Evil franchise with a record-breaking box office debut. With critical acclaim and massive audience turnout, this reboot is already being hailed as a new horror benchmark.

A New Reign of Terror

The Resident Evil film franchise has seen many iterations, but none have made an impact quite like the 2026 reboot directed by Zach Cregger. Following his success with 'Weapons,' Cregger has pivoted to the world of Raccoon City, delivering a cinematic spectacle that has stunned both critics and casual moviegoers alike.

The film, which stars Austin Abrams as a medical courier caught in a deadly viral outbreak, is currently on track for an opening weekend between $53 million and $60 million. This performance firmly cements it as the largest debut in the history of the Resident Evil franchise, handily beating previous records set by long-standing installments like 2010's 'Resident Evil: Afterlife'.

Austin Abrams leads the cast in this record-shattering horror adaptation.

Why This Reboot Is Different

Unlike its predecessors, Cregger's vision is resonating with a rare combination of critical and commercial success. Holding a 96% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it is currently the year’s top-reviewed horror release. Fans and critics have praised the film for being a 'propulsive, simultaneously terrifying and hilarious thrill ride.'

Record-breaking $8.8 million in Thursday preview earnings.
A 92% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, signaling high viewer satisfaction.
A B+ CinemaScore, indicating strong general audience appeal.
First installment in the franchise to receive such widespread critical acclaim.

Cregger has crafted a propulsive, simultaneously terrifying and hilarious thrill ride that showcases his unique horror sensibilities.
— Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter

What This Means for the Future

The massive box office numbers suggest that Cregger’s 'hot streak'—which includes the Oscar-winning 'Weapons'—is showing no signs of slowing down. By blending his signature horror style with a globally recognized franchise, he has successfully bridged the gap between niche horror enthusiasts and mainstream blockbuster audiences. As the film continues its theatrical run, speculation about potential sequels and the expansion of this new 'Resident Evil' cinematic universe is already beginning to build.

Key Takeaways

Zach Cregger's Resident Evil reboot is the highest-grossing opening in franchise history.
The film earned a record $8.8 million in Thursday previews alone.
It holds a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, making it the most critically successful film in the series.
Austin Abrams stars as a medical courier navigating a viral outbreak in Raccoon City.
The film is outperforming industry projections, which initially estimated a $40 million opening.

FAQ

Is the new Resident Evil movie a sequel?

No, it is a reboot of the franchise directed by Zach Cregger.

Who stars in the 2026 Resident Evil movie?

The film stars Austin Abrams, Zach Cherry, Kali Reis, and Paul Walter Hauser.

How much did the movie make on its opening day?

The film grossed $26.3 million domestically on its opening Friday.

What is the critical reception of the film?

It has been very positive, holding a 96% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 92% audience score.