Zach Cregger, director of the upcoming Resident Evil reboot, expects a potentially negative response from dedicated fans of the franchise. He believes he may be “crucified” if he deviates too significantly from the established lore.

Acknowledging the Passionate Fanbase

Cregger, known for his work on Barbarian, understands the intensity of the Resident Evil fanbase. He admitted to “warily cross[ing] his arms” when encountering adaptations of games he enjoys, recognizing the risk of disappointing long-time players.

A New Story in Raccoon City

The 2026 reboot will feature entirely new characters, including Brian, a medical courier portrayed by Austin Abrams, who finds himself stranded in an isolated Raccoon City hospital during the 1998 outbreak. The film also stars Paul Walter Hauser, Kali Reis, and Zach Cherry.

Avoiding Established Character Pitfalls

Cregger explained that retelling the stories of iconic characters like Leon Kennedy and Chris Redfield carries the risk of upsetting fans due to potential alterations to their origins. He believes introducing new characters allows for a fresh narrative without directly impacting established storylines.

The Growing Trend of Game Adaptations

The move to adapt Resident Evil reflects a broader trend in Hollywood. Derek Douglas, head of Creative Artists Agency’s game division, noted the increasing size and influence of the gaming industry, stating, “It’s not like Hollywood discovered games, it’s that games became bigger than Hollywood.”

Recent successful adaptations, such as Five Nights at Freddy’s ($291 million at the box office) and the anticipation surrounding adaptations of Call of Duty and The Legend of Zelda, demonstrate the potential of gaming franchises in the film industry.

Franchise History and Release Date

The Resident Evil franchise, created by Shinji Mikami and Tokuro Fujiwara, debuted in 1996. The latest installment, Resident Evil Requiem, released on February 27, 2026, has been met with positive reviews. Cregger’s film aims to capture the suspense of the franchise while presenting a completely original story.

Resident Evil is scheduled for theatrical release on September 18, 2026.