Everything We Know About Zach Cregger's 'Resident Evil': Plot, Release Date & More
The highly anticipated reboot of the iconic zombie franchise is already on its way.
Last year, news broke that video game Resident Evil was getting a new adaptation. Zach Cregger, the creator of the horror movies Barbarian and Weapons, will direct the new movie.
The film franchise began in 2002 with a movie directed by Paul W.S. Anderson. The series spawned six sequels, which were all box office successes but received little critical acclaim. The reboot, Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City, was a flop.
Now, Cregger is reviving the franchise, and it looks like it will tell a very different story.
When Will Zach Cregger's 'Resident Evil' Be Released?
The premiere of Resident Evil is scheduled for September 18, 2026. In January 2025, the project was announced, as well as Sony Pictures' securing of the distribution rights.
The filming took place in the Czech Republic under strict secrecy. Production wrapped in February, and the movie is currently in post-production.
What Will 'Resident Evil' Be About?
Although Cregger isn't revealing any details, a few things are known. First, his film's plot isn't based on any specific game, nor is it connected to previous adaptations. The action will take place in Raccoon City during a zombie outbreak. However, the film will adhere to the logic and rules of the game series.
Cregger said:
“I played all of the games. I played Resident Evil 4 a hundred times through. I'm obsessed with it. And so, I just want to tell a story that feels like it’s honoring the experience you get when you play the games.”
According to the leaked synopsis, the main character is an organ delivery courier from Raccoon City. During a late-night delivery, he accidentally hits a woman. This triggers the spread of Umbrella Corporation mutants throughout the city.
The movie will depict the gradual infection and the psychological destruction it brings. Resident Evil is rumored to be the closest thing to body horror.
Who Stars in Zach Cregger's 'Resident Evil'?
Austin Abrams, who previously starred in Cregger's Weapons, will play the lead role. He will portray Bryan, a courier who is the focus of the story.
Paul Walter Hauser will play Carl, a strange character with a connection to Bryan. The cast also includes Zach Cherry as a scientist from a secret lab, Kali Reis as a potential heroine with a military background, and Johnno Wilson.
The classic game characters like Leon and Jill will not appear in the movie. Cregger and his co-writer, Shay Hatten, have created entirely new characters.
