The upcoming Resident Evil movie from Barbarian director Zach Cregger was confirmed to be unlike previous films in the franchise and follow the games closer than before.
Making an appearance at Sony Pictures’ CinemaCon presentation on Monday, the new Resident Evil film with Barbarian Director Zach Cregger at the helm has revealed further details which separate it from the other films in the franchise at the event. Director Cregger suggested the film would embody more of the video game franchise than previous film entries.
According to IGN, Cregger explained, “There’s a moment that comes in almost every Resident Evil game where you find yourself in a dark passageway, your health is almost zero, and there’s no way around,” continuing with “That is a thrill that the Resident Evil games have perfected,” adding “My movie will be built in the spirit of those games and follows one central protagonist from point A to point B, as they descend deeper into hell.” Cregger also went as far as to promise audiences the upcoming film will be “unlike any of the previous films” in the franchise.
Cregger is likely referencing the previous films led by Director Paul W.S. Anderson (and not the series from 2022). That string of movies starred Anderson’s wife, Milla Jovovich, and although they were commercial successes, the films were not as well-received by fans. CGMagazine’s review of Resident Evil: The Final Chapter (2016) says the franchise’s “movies just kept getting bigger, dumber, and more fun as they went along,” not particularly utilizing video game story beats but staying entertaining with gratuitous violence.
The Hollywood Reporter has also revealed Resident Evil is looking to start shooting this summer in Europe, with Euphoria actor Austin Abrams reportedly lined up to star. The film hasn’t entered production yet, but producers of the movie include Constantin Film, Vertigo Entertainment, and PlayStation Productions.
Resident Evil plans to open in theatres on September 18, 2026
