Zach Cregger, the director behind Barbarian and Weapons, is steering the next Resident Evil film in a bold new direction. Rather than retelling familiar stories, he’s crafting an original narrative firmly rooted in the franchise’s lore—but with fresh faces.
Why No Leon or Jill?
Cregger is clear: Leon’s story is already told in the games. As a devoted fan of the series, he sees no need to rehash. Instead, he’s creating a new character and plot that honor the Resident Evil universe—without revisiting established arcs.
Staying Loyal While Charting New Territory
Even though the film will forgo iconic characters, Cregger insists it won’t abandon the spirit of the games. His aim is to create a modern, cinematic Resident Evil—a love letter to the source material, but with its own identity. Fans can still expect themes and atmosphere that echo the games.
Reactions Are Mixed
Some fans are excited about fresh narrative ground—others are disappointed not to see their favorites like Leon or Jill on the big screen. Cregger acknowledges the risk: “People are going to come for me online.” But he remains committed to telling a compelling story.
Fast-Moving Production Ahead
The project is already in motion. In January 2025, Cregger signed on as writer and director, with Constantin Film and PlayStation Productions producing. Sony Pictures secured distribution, aiming for a September 18, 2026 release. Filming will start later this year in the Czech Republic.
