Tag: Zach Cregger

Key Takeaways

1. The new Resident Evil film has a completely original storyline and will not feature Leon S. Kennedy.
2. Director Zach Cregger aims to respect the Resident Evil franchise while telling a new story within its universe.
3. The plot focuses on an unlucky courier, played by Austin Abrams, who becomes involved in the early T-Virus outbreak.
4. Cregger emphasizes his passion for original ideas while creating an adaptation based on existing intellectual property.
5. This film marks the third major film project inspired by Resident Evil, following previous adaptations that received mixed reviews.

The new film adaptation of Capcom’s Resident Evil franchise is being helmed by Zach Cregger, who recently discussed some intriguing aspects of the project in a chat with Entertainment Weekly.

Original Storyline

Cregger mentioned that this upcoming movie will have a completely original storyline, and sadly, it won’t include the beloved character Leon S. Kennedy. He explained, “It’s an entirely original story. When you watch it, you’ll be like, ‘This is very Zach.’ It’s just that it takes place in the Resident Evil world. I don’t think fans of the games are gonna be bummed. I’m not gonna steal Leon and put him in an original story. I think that would be presumptuous.”

Respecting the Franchise

He continued, “But I respect the games enough where I’m gonna like tell a Resident Evil story in the Resident Evil canon that still leaves everything they love intact from the games, you know what I mean?” Cregger has teamed up with Shay Hatten to co-write the screenplay for Resident Evil. The plot is said to focus on an unlucky courier, presumably played by Austin Abrams, who is sent to deliver a mysterious package to a secluded hospital, only to become embroiled in the terrifying beginnings of the T-Virus outbreak.

Cregger’s Vision

Cregger added, “I think that when you see it, you’ll understand how I can be obsessed with original ideas and still make a movie that is an IP-based thing. I know that doesn’t make a lot of sense now, but I hope it will later.” This adaptation marks the third major film project inspired by the franchise, following a mixed history of previous adaptations.

The original series included six films directed by Paul W.S. Anderson from 2002 to 2016, featuring Milla Jovovich as Alice. In 2021, Johannes Roberts’ Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City aimed to provide a more faithful reboot, drawing from the first two games and starring actors such as Kaya Scodelario and Robbie Amell.

However, it didn’t quite live up to fan expectations, grossing only $36 million against its $40 million budget. Now, Sony Pictures, which has been behind all the past films, is set to unveil Cregger’s theatrical interpretation of Resident Evil on September 18, 2026.

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Key Takeaways

1. Zach Cregger, known for horror films like Barbarian, will direct the new Resident Evil adaptation.
2. The film is set to be released on September 18, 2026, focusing on atmospheric tension rather than action.
3. Cregger is a passionate fan of the Resident Evil games, having spent extensive time playing them.
4. The movie will draw inspiration from the settings and tones of Resident Evil 2, 3, and 4 while maintaining flexibility in its storyline.
5. The adaptation aims to meet high expectations from both new viewers and long-time fans, especially after mixed reactions to previous films.

Zach Cregger, who gained recognition as the director of horror films like Barbarian and Weapons, has been chosen to lead the upcoming film adaptation of Capcom’s Resident Evil series.

Release Date and Focus

The untitled Resident Evil project, which was revealed earlier this year, is set to be released on September 18, 2026. This new adaptation aims to offer a fresh perspective, emphasizing atmospheric tension and excitement rather than the action-heavy style of previous films.

A Passionate Fan

What makes Cregger unique is his connection to the Resident Evil fanbase. During a conversation with Double Toasted, he expressed:

“I’ve spent, honestly, thousands and thousands of hours playing Resident Evil. I just know how the pacing should flow, and it’s naturally cinematic. I believe there’s a fantastic movie waiting to be made within this universe and its pacing.”

Cregger, a devoted enthusiast of the franchise, has enjoyed numerous main series games, including the remakes of Resident Evil 2 and 3, as well as the action-focused Resident Evil 4. Interestingly, he admitted he hasn’t watched any of the previous Resident Evil films.

Insight on the Movie’s Timeline

In his interview, he also discussed the film’s timeline, saying:

“I’m a massive fan of the games. It probably leans more towards the settings of 2 and 3, but it resonates more with the tone of 4. The games are quite adaptable; 2 and 3 are set in Raccoon City, while 4 takes place in Spain and feels like it belongs in the past, even though it doesn’t.

Then you have 7, which is like a Texas Chainsaw vibe, and 8 takes you to an ancient European village, definitely feeling historical.”

Cregger’s interpretation of the Resident Evil universe is somewhat flexible, aligning with the evolving settings found in each game installment. He added:

“The games themselves don’t have a strict lore. It’s not fixed. Therefore, I don’t feel like I’m straying any further from the established franchise than it does. I’m just shading within the lines.”

High Expectations

Cregger faces significant expectations as he delves into the Resident Evil lore, aiming to redefine the series for both new and long-time fans. The franchise’s reputation has been somewhat marred by past live-action adaptations that some fans felt missed the mark.

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