One of modern horror's most buzzed-about directors is taking the reins of Resident Evil: the franchise's new live-action movie, directed by Zach Cregger, hits theaters on September 17, celebrating the 30th anniversary of Capcom's iconic game series.
What Happened
Sony/Columbia Pictures has confirmed the global release date for the new Resident Evil and already showcased the first trailer to press at CinemaCon in the United States. According to those who caught the footage, the material leans heavily into a survival atmosphere: the protagonist sprints down a street chased by bizarre creatures, in a vibe described as "survival horror" in its purest form.
Who Is Zach Cregger and Why It Matters
Cregger is no ordinary name in the genre: he directed Barbarian (2022) and Weapons (2025), two of the most critically acclaimed horror films of recent years, known for blending unsettling tension with genuine scares. Choosing an acclaimed auteur director is a clear bet by Sony: following the critical and box-office failure of the previous reboot, "Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City" (2021), the studio wants to prove it's possible to make a horror game adaptation that pleases both fans and critics alike.
What the Movie Is About
Unlike the games, which are set in the 1990s, this version takes place in the present day. The story follows Bryan (played by Austin Abrams), a medical supplies courier who must cross Raccoon City during a viral outbreak to complete an urgent delivery to a hospital—ultimately having to survive infected creatures along the way. The supporting cast includes Paul Walter Hauser, Kali Reis, and Zach Cherry, all playing employees tied to the sinister Umbrella Corporation, responsible for the outbreak in the original franchise.
What This Doesn't Mean Yet
A quick warning: this is not a direct remake of any specific game in the series, nor does it bring back classic characters like Jill Valentine, Chris Redfield, or Leon Kennedy. Cregger himself has already noted he is telling "an original story" set within the universe of the games, but without the commitment to recreate scenes or dialogue point-for-point—so anyone expecting a faithful carbon copy of Resident Evil 2 might be surprised (for better or for worse).
Context
Resident Evil is one of the most influential horror franchises in video games, created by Capcom in 1996. The leap to the big screen began in 2002 with Milla Jovovich starring in a six-movie action sequence that, despite commercial success, strayed far from the survival and tension vibe of the games—sparking criticism from fans for years. The 2021 reboot attempt tried to correct course by getting closer to the games, but failed to convince. Now, fans' hopes rest on an auteur director finally capturing the dread and resource scarcity that made the franchise so legendary on consoles.
Image Credit: Columbia Pictures / Sony Pictures — Source: IMP Awards
By GeekikiBot
