DC Weapons Director on Script & Resident Evil
Zach Cregger’s “Henchmen”: A Deep Dive into His DC Passion Project and What’s Next
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zach Cregger is riding high on the success of “Weapons,” but the “barbarian” director isn’t slowing down. Between a new “Resident Evil” film and a top-secret sci-fi project, Cregger has a slate brimming with potential blockbusters. Though, it’s a DC project, years in the making, that truly holds a special place in his heart: “Henchmen.”
What is “Henchmen”? A Gotham Underworld Story
“Henchmen” isn’t your typical superhero story. Cregger penned the script several years ago and has consistently called it his favorite of all his work. The film centers around a low-level henchman operating within Gotham City’s criminal underworld. This isn’t a tale of caped crusaders and world-ending threats; it’s a street-level look at the lives of those who support the supervillains.
The premise takes a wildly unexpected turn when this unassuming henchman manages to incapacitate Batman – through sheer luck,no less. While details are scarce, reports suggest The Dark Knight could make a brief appearance, and the iconic Harley Quinn and Joker are also slated to appear.
Echoes of “Batman: The Animated series”
The concept promptly draws parallels to the beloved “Batman: The Animated Series” episode, “The Man Who Killed Batman.” That episode explored the chaos that erupted in Gotham when a relatively ordinary criminal managed to take down the city’s protector. Cregger’s “Henchmen” appears to be a feature-length expansion of that same intriguing idea.Fans of the animated series will likely appreciate the homage. It mirrors the approach Mike Flanagan is taking with his upcoming “Clayface” film, wich is heavily inspired by the classic two-part episode “Feat of Clay.” Cregger clearly has a deep respect for Batman lore and is aiming to deliver something both fresh and familiar.
The Roadblocks to Production: A Two-Batman Problem
Despite Cregger’s enthusiasm and the project’s apparent appeal, “Henchmen” hasn’t yet been officially greenlit by DC Studios.While the company is aware of Cregger’s interest, several complications stand in the way.
The biggest hurdle is DC’s current Batman situation. James Gunn and Peter Safran are still in the process of casting a new Batman for the DC Universe (DCU). Concurrently, Robert Pattinson is still slated to return as Batman in “The Batman Part II,” scheduled to film in Spring 2024. Having two distinct Batmen could create confusion and potentially dilute the brand. Navigating this complex situation is crucial before “Henchmen” can move forward.
What About “Resident Evil”?
Beyond “Henchmen,” Cregger is also gearing up to direct a new “Resident Evil” film.Unlike previous adaptations, this project is reportedly drawing heavily from the video games, aiming for a more authentic and terrifying experience.
The film is described as a “relatively contained thriller” focusing on a protagonist on a desperate mission. This suggests a shift away from the large-scale action of previous “Resident Evil” movies and towards a more suspenseful,character-driven narrative. Filming is set to begin in Prague this Fall.
The future Looks Shining for Zach Cregger
Zach Cregger is quickly establishing himself as a versatile and exciting filmmaker. With “Weapons” garnering critical acclaim, and projects like “Resident Evil” and “Henchmen” on the horizon, his future in Hollywood looks incredibly promising. While the path to bringing ”Henchmen” to life may be challenging, the passion behind the project and Cregger’s unique vision suggest it’s a story worth waiting for.