Resident Evil Director Zach Cregger Reveals If Leon or Jill Valentine Will Appear in New Movie: “Fans Already Have That”

Under the leadership of Zach Cregger, who is recognized for directing movies like “Barbarian” and “Weapons”, there was a lot of anticipation that he would bring a straightforward take on the Resident Evil series in the upcoming movie.

Previously, his work demonstrated an evident passion for horror and tension, leading spectators to presume he’d anchor the narrative of the games in its original essence. However, it appears that Creegger has a unique vision for the movie that deviates from these expectations.

During an interview with Inverse, Cregger emphasized that although he’s a great admirer of the games, his upcoming movie will not revolve around the popular characters such as Leon S. Kennedy or Jill Valentine. Rather, he’s crafting a fresh tale within the Resident Evil universe, distinct from the primary storylines in the games.

He expressed, “Allow me to clarify: what I’m sharing is in accordance with the game’s regulations. Being a devoted fan of these games, I’m narrating a tale that serves as an ode to them and adheres to their guidelines.

Cregger highlighted that while the movie will adhere to the Resident Evil game series’ backstory, it won’t retell familiar stories fans are accustomed to. In simpler terms, he clarified, ‘The film stays true to the games’ universe but presents a new, unique narrative. I’m not revisiting Leon’s tale since that one has already been explored in the games and fans have experienced it.’

This strategy aligns with industry whispers claiming that the upcoming film will debut a completely fresh character, similar to Milla Jovovich’s original portrayal in the early 2000s Resident Evil films. For fans eager to witness Leon or Jill in cinematic action, this could be disheartening. However, Cregger offers a straightforward retort: “They can enjoy the game instead.

Although Cregger appears assured about his chosen path, certain enthusiasts may harbor concerns over deviating from the primary personalities. This pattern of concocting fresh tales within video game worlds rather than sticking to established storylines is increasingly prevalent in video game films. This approach could entice newcomers who haven’t delved into the games, but it might alienate dedicated fans who yearn to witness their beloved characters portrayed accurately. In essence, these ardent supporters desire authentic adaptations of their favorites.

Cregger previously acknowledged that fans might feel frustrated with him, as he chose to explore a different perspective rather than sticking strictly to the series’ original narrative.

He stated that some individuals might criticize him online, but he’s determined and unfazed by this. His primary goal is to create an exceptional film and convey a captivating narrative. Regardless of the opinions others may have about his decisions, he remains optimistic about the end product.

The project, which is the Resident Evil reboot, has been progressing at a fast pace. In January 2025, it was announced that Zach Cregger would be responsible for both writing and directing this reboot. It’s a joint production by Constantin Film and PlayStation Productions, with Sony Pictures acquiring the rights and assuming the role of distributor in March 2025.

Sony has announced that the film’s launch will occur on September 18, 2026. As per news from June 2025, the production is expected to happen in the Czech Republic.

Under the direction of Cregger, spectators are eagerly anticipating what fresh twist he’ll bring to the Resident Evil franchise. It’s apparent that this film won’t merely retell previous tales, but rather present a unique perspective within the familiar Resident Evil universe.

It’s unclear whether this will captivate longtime fans or primarily attract novices. However, there’s no doubt that Cregger is deeply invested in these games and aims to deliver a narrative that respects the source material, despite offering a fresh viewpoint.

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2025-08-09 22:15