The new Resident Evil movie, directed by Zach Cregger, takes a bold turn from the franchise’s established lore. The film features an original story set within the Resident Evil universe and will not directly adapt any game narratives.
The trailer introduces a main character named Bryan, played by Austin Abrams. This character is a medical courier navigating through a world filled with unique creatures rather than the traditional zombies fans expect.
As of midday, the film is set to open on September 18, 2026, and will be released in IMAX. This marks the eighth installment in the Resident Evil series and represents a second reboot following 2022’s “Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City.”
Notably, Cregger has not viewed any previous Resident Evil films, which he believes allows him to approach the material with fresh eyes. He aims to create a cinematic experience that captures the essence of playing the games.
Cregger describes his film as focusing more on “weird creature stuff” than just zombies. He stated, “Believe it or not, this movie doesn’t utilize zombies that much.” The intent is to deliver a visually compelling experience, which he claims is his most visually gonzo film yet.
Experts have noted that video game adaptations often struggle with fan expectations. However, Cregger’s unique approach may attract both franchise veterans and newcomers alike. The film promises various set pieces filled with unique horrors, diverging from conventional horror tropes.
As anticipation builds for this new direction in the Resident Evil franchise, it remains unclear how audiences will respond to this departure from traditional themes. The focus on original storytelling could redefine expectations for future horror movies based on video games.
The next major reveal is expected as promotional efforts ramp up closer to the release date.