Zach Cregger’s new Resident Evil movie arrives in 2026, promising a fresh and thrilling zombie horror.
Capcom’s iconic survival horror franchise Resident Evil is getting a fresh film adaptation directed by Zach Cregger, known for Barbarian and Weapons. The new movie, currently untitled, is set to hit theaters on September 18, 2026.
Background: Resident Evil’s Legacy
Resident Evil originally launched as a video game in 1996 and quickly became one of the most popular and successful franchises in gaming history. Known for its intense zombie and monster encounters, the series has already inspired a long-running film series starring Milla Jovovich. Now, as the game nears its 40th anniversary, this reboot promises a new take on the terrifying world of Raccoon City.
Production Details And Release Date
The film was announced in January 2025, with Sony securing the rights in a major bidding war by March. Production will primarily take place in the Czech Republic, as confirmed by its registration with the Czech Audiovisual Fund.
Austin Abrams To Star As Lead
Actor Austin Abrams will take on the leading role, reportedly playing Bryan, the organ courier at the heart of the story. Abrams is no stranger to horror, having appeared in The Walking Dead, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, and Weapons – the latter also directed by Cregger. His casting strengthens the connection between the film's creative vision and performance.
Plot Overview
The plot follows Bryan, a laid-back organ courier who becomes caught in a nightmarish outbreak after hitting a strange woman with his car on a snowy road to Raccoon City General Hospital. The incident draws him into a world of mutated creatures and bio-engineered horror.
Director’s Vision And Style
Zach Cregger, a longtime Resident Evil fan, says the movie will be inspired by the tone and structure of Resident Evil 2, 3, and especially 4. He aims to deliver a cinematic experience that mirrors the games’ pacing – following one protagonist as they descend deeper into chaos and horror.
In an interview with Double Toasted, he also shared one info that made Resident Evil fans particularly hopeful:
I've never seen a Resident Evil movie.
The movies are notorious for not connecting with fans of the original games, so ironically, it's a big plus for Cregger to bring his own vision (as a fan of the games) to the big screen instead of mimicking the movies that came before.
Staying True To The Games' Lore
Though the movie tells an original story, Cregger has assured fans it will remain loyal to the Resident Evil universe. Key elements like the Umbrella Corporation and the Raccoon City Police Department (RCPD) will play a role. In his words:
"I'm telling a story that is a love letter to the games and follows the rules of the games... I’m not going to tell Leon’s story, because Leon’s story is told in the games."
Looking Ahead
With filming set to begin in Prague and a September 2026 release date, expectations are high. Fans of both the games and horror cinema can look forward to a new chapter that respects the legacy of Resident Evil while offering something bold and original.
What do you think? No need for another Resident Evil movie, or could Cregger redeem the franchise on the big screen?