Zach Cregger’s upcoming Resident Evil film is set within the timeline of the events unfolding in Resident Evil 2, focusing on a separate narrative occurring concurrently with the...
In a recent interview with Bloody Disgusting, Cregger explained his approach, stating he didn’t want to interfere with the established narrative of characters like Leon S.
Cregger’s vision for the film is deeply rooted in his early experiences with the Resident Evil franchise, particularly Resident Evil 2.
Zach Cregger’s upcoming Resident Evil film is set within the timeline of the events unfolding in Resident Evil 2, focusing on a separate narrative occurring concurrently with the Raccoon City outbreak. Cregger, known for directing the horror-comedy films Weapons and Barbarian, described his vision as creating a story that exists “on the periphery” of the iconic game’s storyline.
In a recent interview with Bloody Disgusting, Cregger explained his approach, stating he didn’t want to interfere with the established narrative of characters like Leon S. Kennedy. “I wanted to construct a story that could live in the world of Resident Evil and kind of be on the periphery of the events of Resident Evil 2, where Raccoon City is having its big night, but tell just another story that could be happening in parallel, that really honors the vibe and the pacing you get when you play the games,” Cregger said.
Inspired by Resource Management in Resident Evil 2
Cregger’s vision for the film is deeply rooted in his early experiences with the Resident Evil franchise, particularly Resident Evil 2. He was captivated by the game’s emphasis on resource management, a mechanic that significantly influenced his approach to the film. According to a PlayStation Blog interview, Cregger appreciated the strategic element of carefully considering available resources.
From Instagram — related to Resident Evil, Zach Cregger
“I just loved this new mechanic of resource conservation. You had to be completely aware of how many bullets you had, and how many healing items you had. You’d make these tough decisions about – what am I going to carry with me? What am I going to leave behind? It was such a unique mechanic.”
Zach Cregger, via PlayStation Blog
Cregger aimed to replicate this sense of tension and deliberation in his film, prioritizing a survival horror atmosphere over action-focused sequences. He noted that some Resident Evil games lean too heavily into arcade-style gameplay, but he specifically sought to capture the slower, more methodical pacing of the earlier titles.
A New Protagonist and Perspective
The film centers on Bryan, a medical courier portrayed by Austin Abrams, as he navigates the chaos of the Raccoon City outbreak. Cregger intentionally created a new protagonist to offer a fresh perspective on the established Resident Evil universe. He described Bryan as an “avatar” for himself, imagining how he would react if placed in a similar situation.
Resident Evil – Exclusive Trailer Breakdown with Director Zach Cregger
“I am not a badass at all. I don’t know how to use guns very well,” Cregger said. “I miss 99% of the shots I take, and I would be running in terror and cussing my face off at every encounter. I think it’s going to be really fun to be following somebody through this gauntlet that is not like SEAL Team Six-level prepared.”
Resident Evil Zach Cregger Resource Management
Zach Cregger, via Deadline
This choice allows Cregger to explore the horror through the eyes of an ordinary individual, rather than a seasoned professional like Leon Kennedy. He emphasized his respect for the existing characters and his desire to avoid altering their established storylines. As Cregger explained to Polygon, he is “not recasting Leon, God forbid. I’m letting Leon stay Leon and I feel like that’s the most respectful thing I could do.”
The film’s narrative unfolds alongside the events of Resident Evil 2, offering a parallel story within the same world. This approach allows Cregger to expand the Resident Evil universe without directly retreading familiar ground. The teaser trailer, released by Sony Pictures, showcases a blend of intense action and gruesome imagery, hinting at a return to the franchise’s horror roots.
Resident Evil is scheduled for exclusive theatrical release on September 18, 2026, according to TweakTown. The film aims to capture the essence of the original games, particularly the survival horror elements and the strategic resource management that defined Resident Evil 2, while presenting a new and compelling story within the established universe.
