For nearly twenty years, the Resident Evil film adaptations were largely shaped by the six installments helmed by Paul W.S. Anderson, starring Milla Jovovich as the iconic Alice. These movies collectively grossed over a billion dollars globally. However, the 2021 reboot, *Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City*, saw significantly less success, accumulating only $42 million worldwide.
Zach Cregger, the director known for *Barbarian* and *Weapons*, is now at the helm of a completely new Resident Evil cinematic project. Following his beginnings as a co-founder of the comedy group The Whitest Kids U’ Know and roles in various sitcoms, Cregger has risen to prominence as one of the leading horror directors of today. His involvement in this upcoming film sparked considerable interest, resulting in a competitive bidding scenario that was ultimately won by Sony Pictures, the studio responsible for releasing the franchise’s previous seven movies.
Currently, many specifics regarding Cregger’s vision for the Resident Evil film are still unknown. However, GameSpot has compiled a comprehensive overview of the information currently available regarding the reboot.
Who will star in the new Resident Evil movie?
As of now, Austin Abrams is the only actor (reportedly) confirmed to be part of the cast for the upcoming film. Abrams previously collaborated with Cregger on *Weapons*, and he also possesses experience with the zombie genre from his appearance in *The Walking Dead*. Furthermore, he is also recognized for his portrayal of Ethan Daley in HBO’s *Euphoria*.
Will well-known Resident Evil heroes appear in the movie?
Cregger has hinted that he does not intend to feature any of the established Resident Evil heroes in leading roles.
“Explained Cregger. I’m crafting a narrative that serves as a heartfelt tribute to the games, adhering strictly to their established rules. It remains loyal to the existing lore of the games but unfolds a unique storyline. I have no plans to retell Leon’s tale, as Leon’s narrative is already comprehensively presented within the games. [Fans] have access to that already.”
“The [Resident Evil] script is completely original,” added Cregger in another interview. “It unfolds a peculiar narrative. I penned it, and I have a deep affection for the story. It bears no relation to any of the pre-existing Resident Evil films. If I execute my task effectively, it will exude a sense of novelty, sharpness, and eccentricity.”
Will the new Resident Evil movie mirror the tone of the previous films?
According to Cregger, he has not watched any of the previous Resident Evil movies. Instead of drawing inspiration from them, he aims to recapture the atmosphere of suspense and dread that characterized the games.
“I haven’t viewed the [previous Resident Evil] movies, but they don’t seem to capture that sense [of dread],” said Cregger. “Therefore, my intention was to craft a narrative that would genuinely embrace that element. To honor the games, and to stay true to the underlying lore. I’m not retelling any of the stories already found in the games. It’s a separate narrative set within that same universe.”
“If there are passionate enthusiasts of the movie franchise out there, they are likely unprepared for the direction I am pursuing. However, I believe that enthusiasts of the games will be thrilled,” he stated.
During an interview with Double Toasted, Cregger mentioned that his Resident Evil movie will reflect the “authentic experience” of the video games and will likely be “set within the world” of Resident Evil 2 and 3, but it will capture the tonal elements similar to Resident Evil 4. It’s key to note that the movie won’t be a direct adaptation from any Resident Evil game.
Cregger added that the video games themselves are not entirely cohesive with their established lore, and often feature flexible timelines and settings. “I don’t think I am taking any liberties with this [movie] more than the game franchise does. I think I am coloring within the lines,” he said.
“I’ve never seen a movie like it,” he added. “I am beyond excited making this.”
The director also noted that his sensibilities and specific approach to filmmaking that were developed during the making of *Barbarian* and *Weapons* will be present in Resident Evil, but on a larger scale and with a bigger budget.
“It occurs within the game’s world, but most importantly, the experience for you as a viewer is going to be similar to the journey you have as a player when you play these games. Which means that it follows one protagonist from point A to point B as they descend deeper and deeper into hell,” he said. “As someone who has played thousands and thousands of hours of Resident Evil, I just feel like I know how that pacing can go, and it’s inherently cinematic. I feel like there is a great movie that can live inside this world and inside that sort of pacing. I am really, really pumped about the story that we get to tell here.”
In closing, Cregger confirmed the timeline for Resident Evil, stating that filming is scheduled to begin this October in Prague and run through the end of January 2026. Why Prague? Cregger alluded to the city’s generous tax incentives and other key advantages. “It’s the right place,” he said.
When will the new Resident Evil movie be released?
Resident Evil is expected to premiere in theaters on September 18, 2026, shortly after the video game franchise marks its 30th anniversary.