Filmmakers Zach Cregger, Jonathan Goldstein, and John Francis Daley shared updates on several high-profile projects during a 2026 San Diego Comic Con panel. The session featured the debut of new trailers for Mayday and Ebenezer, while confirming a Star Trek project currently in development.
Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil and the Legacy of Weapons
Director Zach Cregger is pivoting from the indie-spirit success of Weapons to a massive franchise undertaking with a graphic-novel-to-film adaptation of Resident Evil. According to the report from the SDCC 2026 Directors Panel, Cregger has already finalized the cast and established the atmospheric mood for the project, focusing on a transition from the page to a distinct cinematic vision.
This move reflects a broader industry trend where "auteur" directors, who have proven they can deliver critical hits on small budgets, are being handed the keys to legacy intellectual property. Zach Cregger's previous work on Barbarian established a pattern of subverting audience expectations , a skill that studios are now betting will revitalize the Resident Evil brand after years of varied adaptations.
The Apple TV Push for Mayday and a New Star Trek Venture
The comedic partnership of Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley continues to expand its reach, debuting a trailer for the action-comedy Mayday. As the event summary notes, this project stars Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh and is slated for a release on Apple TV, signaling the streaming giant's continued appetite for star-driven, high-concept comedy.
Beyond Mayday, Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley revealed that a new Star Trek adaptation is now in the developing stage. This suggests a strategic diversification for the duo, who previously found success with Dungeons and Dragons:Honor Among Thieves, as they move into the sci-fi space with one of the most protected IPs in Hollywood history .
Expanding the Amber Saga with Gladys and Flood
Zach Cregger is not only focusing on external franchises but is also building his own cinematic universe. He detailed a forthcoming prequel set within the Amber saga, which will center on the character Gladys from his film Weapons. this narrative expansion aims to deepen the mysteries that initially attracted audiences to the original story.
In addition to the Gladys prequel, Zach Cregger discussed a future project titled Flood. The director intends to bring this script to life following the completion of his current obligations, marking a prolific streak for a filmmaker who transitioned from the surprise success of Barbarian to becoming a primary architect of new genre worlds.
Johnny Depp’s Ebenezer and the Influence of David Leitch
The panel concluded with a high-profile surprise appearance by Johnny Depp , who appeared in character as Ebenezer Scrooge to unveil the first trailer for Ebenezer, an adaptation of A Christmas Carol. The appearance underscored the event's focus on transformative performances and the enduring appeal of classic literary reinterpretations.
The session's depth was further enhanced by a Q&A involving industry heavyweights such as David Leitch, Phil Lord, Chris Miller, Eric Kripke, Jason Statham, and Josh Brolin. These discussions touched upon the friction between creative freedom and the constraints of large studio projects, though several specifics remain elusive.
Despite the volume of announcements, certain details remain unverified. It is still unclear what the specific release date for Ebenezer will be, and the panel did not disclose the specific cast members for Zach Cregger's Resident Evil. Furthermore, the report does not specify whether the Star Trek project is a standalone film or a series for a streaming platform.
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