Zach Cregger, the director known for films like Weapons and Barbarian, has been given the freedom to completely redefine the Resident Evil franchise with his upcoming movie adaptation. Unlike previous adaptations that relied heavily on established characters and storylines from the popular Capcom video game series, Cregger's film is set to introduce an entirely original narrative, free from familiar faces like Leon S. Kennedy and Chris Redfield. This marks a significant shift from earlier films directed by Paul W.S. Anderson and the 2021 reboot, Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City. Production company Constantin Film aims to breathe new life into the IP, making way for a fresh approach that aligns with a new generation of fans. Cregger promises to pay homage to the game's lore while presenting a distinctive storyline. His film is slated for release on September 18, 2026, featuring actors Austin Abrams and Paul Walter Hauser.

Will the new Resident Evil movie include characters from the video games?

No, the upcoming Resident Evil movie directed by Zach Cregger will not feature familiar characters or specific storylines from the video games, as it is intended to be a completely original story within the franchise.

Resident Evil is a critically acclaimed franchise known for its combination of horror and action gameplay, making it a beloved title for gamers worldwide. The series began in 1996 and has expanded into numerous sequels and spin-offs across various platforms, achieving over a billion dollars in box office success. This upcoming movie adaptation reflects a broader trend in the gaming industry as it explores new avenues for storytelling and character development, maintaining the essence of the original games while appealing to contemporary audiences.