Zach Cregger adapts Resident Evil with original story and reduced humor

Director Zach Cregger has revealed that he significantly reduced the amount of humor in his upcoming Resident Evil film following test screenings. While audiences enjoyed the movie, feedback indicated it was ‘too funny,’ prompting Cregger to strip out as many jokes as possible to better balance the horror elements. He noted that a small amount of humor can be effective, but the reduction ultimately improved his own satisfaction with the film.

The adaptation, produced by Columbia Pictures, features an original story and a new protagonist, Bryan (played by Austin Abrams), a medical courier caught in the chaos of Raccoon City. Cregger has addressed potential backlash from franchise purists by explaining that the film does not focus on legacy characters like Leon S. Kennedy, aiming instead to capture the ‘feeling’ of playing the games rather than a direct retelling of the lore.

The film is scheduled for release in theaters on September 18, 2026.