Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil Reboot: First Set Photos Reveal Raccoon City

The first set photos from Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil reboot have surfaced online, confirming that the production has transformed parts of Prague into a snow-covered Raccoon City. The images, posted by ROEnetwork and shared across social media, give us our first real look at Cregger’s grounded, lore-faithful take on the franchise.

Prague Streets Turn Into Raccoon City

The photos show artificial snow covering cars and sidewalks, a burnt-out vehicle taped off on a street corner, and a diner dressed with U.S. signage. A sheriff’s SUV marked “Martin County” sits under an overpass, adding to the American midwestern setting fans know from the games.

One of the most interesting shots shows a detailed map of Raccoon City at a bus shelter, depicting the city as a large, functioning metropolis—clear evidence that this story takes place long before the city’s destruction.

FIRST LOOK: Zach Cregger’s RESIDENT EVIL has transformed Prague into a snowy Raccoon City, filming large-scale action sequences with gunfire, explosions, and stunt driving. 🧟‍♂️🎥

📺 RE Movie Details: https://t.co/RSwZ1e2Pzk
📅 Release Date: Sept 18, 2026
🔍 Source: The Prague… pic.twitter.com/FGBTRPq9hj
— RESIDENCE of EVIL (@ROEnetwork) November 4, 2025

What the Timeline Suggests

The snowy conditions and the intact city point toward a setting months before the events of the 1998 outbreak. The original games take place in the summer and fall of ’98, with the Raccoon City disaster occurring between September 29 and October 1.

If Cregger is sticking to the established timeline—and all signs say he is—this film likely takes place in early 1998 or slightly earlier, at a time when the city was still operating normally and the outbreak hadn’t begun.

Zach Cregger Says His Resident Evil Movie Will Capture the Games’ Dread: Huge Fan

Cregger Confirms His Movie Exists Within Game Canon

An interview with Fangoria provides even more clarity. Cregger says his Resident Evil movie takes place within the world of the games and specifically unfolds alongside the events of Resident Evil 2.

But he’s not adapting that game, nor is he using any of its characters.

His explanation:

The film tells an original story with original characters
The events unfold within the same timeline and lore
The movie follows a separate path that could happen “right over there” while the game’s heroes deal with their own story

Cregger said he wants to capture the signature dread of the games—the feeling of stepping into a dark hallway with one shell left and something horrible waiting in the shadows.

A Fresh Approach After Years of Failed Adaptations

Unlike previous live-action films, Cregger isn’t rewriting the lore or reimagining iconic characters. He’s building a new story inside the established universe—something fans have been asking for since Resident Evil Outbreak.

If this works, it opens the door for future films featuring Chris, Jill, Leon, or Claire without risking another lore-breaking adaptation.