Cregger Reimagines ‘Resident Evil’ for 2026 Release

Filmmaker Promises Original Vision, Not Game Lore Obedience

Director Zach Cregger is set to deliver a bold, new vision for the Resident Evil film franchise, with his untitled project slated for release on September 18, 2026. Known for his critically acclaimed work on Barbarian and Weapons, Cregger is forging a distinct path for the eighth live-action adaptation of the popular video game series.

A Radical Departure from the Past

Speaking with Ringer Movies, **Cregger** revealed a surprising fact: he has never seen any of the previous *Resident Evil* films. This lack of direct influence allows him to approach the material with a fresh perspective. He described his upcoming film as a departure from his previous horror work, envisioning it as a high-octane experience akin to Evil Dead 2.

Cregger intends to infuse the movie with a weird, fun, wild story, starring **Austin Abrams**. He elaborated on his creative process, stating, It’s gonna be not at all like Barbarian and Weapons. It’s going to be a rock ’em, sock ’em… it’s for me to play. And turn my brain off and just make an… Evil Dead 2… get crazy with the camera.

“A Love Letter to the Games”

Despite its original direction, **Cregger** emphasizes his deep connection to the source material. He considers his *Resident Evil* film a personal project, a narrative he would have pursued even without the franchise’s backing. This is a story that I would’ve wanted to write whether I got the IP or not, he explained. I just happen to be able to have these *Resident Evil* people be down.

He further clarified his intent in discussions with SFX Magazine and Inverse, stating the film will not adhere strictly to established game lore but will capture the authentic *feeling* of playing the games. Crucially, **Cregger** confirmed that his movie will not feature existing characters from the games, such as Leon S. Kennedy, to avoid re-telling stories already told. I’m not going to tell Leon’s story, because Leon’s story is told in the games. [Fans] already have that, he told Inverse.

The *Resident Evil* franchise has a significant global audience, with the games selling over 135 million units worldwide as of March 2024, underscoring the broad appeal of the universe **Cregger** is now entering. His commitment is to create something distinct and exciting for fans and newcomers alike.

Constantin Film and PlayStation Productions are backing **Cregger**’s ambitious project, marking a new chapter for *Resident Evil* on the big screen after numerous previous adaptations and a television series. The filmmaker’s unique approach promises to invigorate the long-running horror franchise.