Zach Cregger is making it clear that his upcoming Resident Evil film will focus on recreating the tense, survival-horror atmosphere that fans know from the games.
While promoting his new movie Weapons, Cregger spoke about his deep connection to the franchise and his vision for the reboot.
A Lifelong Fan of the Games
Cregger says he’s been a huge Resident Evil player for years, especially Resident Evil 4, which he’s beaten multiple times.
“I love those games,” he told the Sam Brown University YouTuber Channel. “My favorite thing about them is that moment in every game where you’re standing at the mouth of a dark passage, you know something horrible is going to happen, you have one shotgun shell left, and no choice but to move forward.”
Not Following the Previous Films
Interestingly, Cregger admitted he’s never seen the previous Resident Evil movies, saying they “don’t seem to promise that feeling” from the games. His approach is to stay true to the lore and tone of the series while telling an entirely new story.
“I wanted to write a story that would really lean into that dread,” he explained. “It’s not adapting any of the game plots, but it exists in that same territory.”
At CinemaCon, Cregger also said the film will follow a single character “from point A to point B” as they “descend deeper into hell,” promising a stripped-down, character-driven approach.
A Fresh Story in Familiar Territory
While the film will feature its own characters and plot, Cregger emphasized that it will honor the source material. Fans can expect an experience rooted in tension, resource scarcity, and the sense of inevitable danger that defines Resident Evil.
“Those games pioneered something special,” Cregger told Variety. “The pacing of those games is so unique and effective, and just being locked in with one character moving from point A to point B, knowing you’re going to pass through this gauntlet of terror, and you’ve got to be methodical and thoughtful about it. That’s cool. That’s cinematic. So I want to tell the story in the world of the games that honors the lore of the games, but it’s a new story.”
Release info
With Cregger already confirmed to direct and co-write the movie, production is expected to begin later this year in Czechia for a planned September 18, 2026 release.
Austin Abrams (Wolfs) is reportedly attached to a lead role, with Mikey Madison (Anora) said to have been offered the female lead, although no official announcement has been made yet.
