Zach Cregger's Resident Evil film features original story and new characters

Director Zach Cregger is preparing for the release of his Resident Evil film on September 18, 2026. The movie takes an original approach to the Capcom franchise, focusing on a new protagonist, Bryan Hodukavich (played by Austin Abrams), a medical courier navigating the Raccoon City Incident.

Cregger has addressed fan frustration regarding the absence of iconic characters like Leon S. Kennedy, explaining that he chose to avoid them to prevent creating versions that might feel like lesser copies of the game counterparts. He noted that the film's rhythm and scale are inspired by Resident Evil 4, while the character elements draw from Resident Evil 7.

A recent teaser trailer has sparked discussion by showcasing mutations that resemble the Las Plagas parasite from the fourth game. Despite the departure from direct game adaptations, the film is projected to be a major commercial success, with domestic opening weekend estimates ranging between $40M and $80M. While Cregger stated he has no interest in directing other established franchises, he expressed openness to returning to the Resident Evil universe for a sequel, noting he already has ideas for where the story could go.