Zach Cregger to Direct New 'Resident Evil' Movie: A Fresh Take on the Iconic Franchise
Zach Cregger, known for his work on "Barbarian" and "Weapons," is set to direct a new "Resident Evil" movie for Sony, with a planned theatrical release on September 18, 2026. The film will stay true to the lore of the video games but will feature original characters not seen in the games. Filming took place in Prague, transforming the city into the iconic Raccoon City setting, and is now in post-production with Cregger having creative control over the project.
The screenplay for the movie was co-written by Cregger and Shay Hatten, aiming to capture the horror roots of the original Capcom game. The story follows Bryan, an organ courier, who gets caught in a nightmarish outbreak in Raccoon City after hitting a mysterious woman with his car. The cast includes Austin Abrams, Paul Walter Hauser, Zach Cherry, Johnno Wilson, and Kali Reis, with Cherry playing a scientist and Reis portraying an ex-military character originally written for a male actor.
Cregger, a self-proclaimed fan of the "Resident Evil" games, promises a different approach to the movie compared to his previous works. He describes it as a wild, fun, and crazy journey into the depths of Hell, with a focus on action and suspense. The film is produced and co-financed by Constantin Film, with support from Vertigo Entertainment, PlayStation Productions, and Columbia Pictures.
Constantin Film CEO Oliver Berben expressed excitement about Cregger's unique take on the "Resident Evil" franchise, emphasizing the director's creative freedom to explore new storytelling avenues. The film is positioned as a fresh start for the franchise, allowing a new generation to shape its future and deliver a different experience from previous adaptations.
With Cregger's vision and passion for the source material, the upcoming "Resident Evil" movie promises to be a thrilling and innovative addition to the franchise. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting project.