Director Zach Cregger, known for his work on “Barbarian” and “Weapons,” has shed more light on his upcoming “Resident Evil” movie. While he’s previously described it as a “weird story” that won’t focus on familiar faces like Leon Kennedy, Cregger wants to reassure fans that the film will deeply respect the established lore of Capcom’s iconic survival-horror games.
In a recent interview, Cregger emphasized that this will be a completely original narrative, yet one that is unmistakably rooted in the “Resident Evil” universe. He believes that devoted fans of the game series will not be disappointed, as his approach is to deliver a story that fits squarely within the “Resident Evil” canon, preserving all the elements players cherish from the games.
Casting updates confirm that Austin Abrams, also from “Weapons,” will play a significant leading role. Cregger expressed strong confidence in Abrams, stating he’s perfectly suited for his character. Additionally, veteran actor Paul Walter Hauser is reportedly in talks to join the cast. Production for the “Resident Evil” movie is set to commence this October in Prague, with more casting announcements expected soon. The film is slated for a theatrical release on September 18, 2026.
This timing aligns with a major milestone for the franchise, as next year marks the 30th anniversary of the original “Resident Evil” game. Capcom plans to celebrate with the launch of “Resident Evil 9: Requiem” in February 2026, alongside enhanced “Resident Evil” ports for the upcoming Switch 2 console. The article also included a gallery featuring a ranking of the best “Resident Evil” games.