# Zach Cregger Resident Evil film adaptation > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/zach-cregger-resident-evil-film-adaptation > Updated: 2026-09-11T02:26:15.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 2. Director Zach Cregger is developing a new ‘Resident Evil’ film adaptation that provides a peripheral perspective on the Raccoon City disaster. The narrative follows a medical courier, Bryan (played by Austin Abrams), during a single night of bioterrorism-induced chaos. The story is intended to run parallel to the events of Resident Evil 2 and is designed to be accessible to viewers without prior knowledge of the video game franchise. While the production aims to incorporate gameplay-inspired elements such as resource management and signature series items, Cregger has adjusted the creative direction following test screenings. Because feedback indicated the film was ‘too funny,’ Cregger decided to strip out as many jokes as possible to better balance the horror elements and maintain tension. He noted that while a small amount of humor can be effective, the reduction improved his satisfaction with the film’s survival horror tone. To address potential backlash from franchise purists, Cregger explained 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. Produced by Columbia Pictures, the film is scheduled for release on September 18, 2026. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-11: Zach Cregger adapts Resident Evil with original story and reduced humor Director Zach Cregger cut significant humor from his Resident Evil film after test audiences found it ‘too funny,’ opting for a more balanced horror tone with an original story and new characters. 13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/zach-cregger-directs-new-resident-evil-film-adaptation ### 2026-08-12: Zach Cregger to direct new Resident Evil film Director Zach Cregger’s upcoming Resident Evil film follows a medical courier during the events of Resident Evil 2, offering a new perspective on the Raccoon City outbreak. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/zach-cregger-to-direct-new-resident-evil-film --- Cite as: Zach Cregger Resident Evil film adaptation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/zach-cregger-resident-evil-film-adaptation