Director Zach Cregger has addressed criticism surrounding the ending of the recent Resident Evil film, revealing that the conclusion audiences saw was a contingency plan, with the original version proving divisive among early test audiences.
The film concludes with the revelation that Austin Abrams' character, Bryan, transforms into an infected monster after being bitten, positioning the movie as an origin story for a creature akin to those found in the video game series. The syringe containing a potential cure is shattered, leaving Bryan's fate seemingly sealed.
In its initial iteration, Cregger explained that the cure syringe would also break, but Bryan would then simply embark on a killing spree. However, feedback from test screenings indicated that this outcome felt anticlimactic and suggested the narrative was "over." This led Cregger to film an alternative sequence.
"I shot that shot of the scientist putting the needle in his pocket just because I had a feeling," Cregger stated in an interview with Collider. "I was like, 'I feel like I'm going to need that.' Then we were able to build a new sequence at the end. I shot a contingency of him going for the stab... just like, if I need it, I should just get it. And thank God because that's what we ended up using."
This alternative ending, which the director opted to use, maintained narrative tension by focusing on the hope for Bryan's cure, fostering a greater emotional investment from viewers, according to Cregger. "It keeps the stakes all the way until the end. It's like, 'Save him, save him!' Whereas before it was like, 'Kill them I guess? Kill them all?'"
Speaking to The New Flesh Horror Movie Podcast, Cregger elaborated on his vision, emphasizing the impact of presenting Bryan's "final form" as a mutant monster. He preferred this approach to a conventional heroic narrative, aiming for a more unexpected and resonant conclusion. "This whole movie wasn't this guy who saves the world. It was the origin story of a monster. It recontextualizes everything, and I like a movie that punches you in the face," he said. "I like a movie that does not give you what you want, but what it does give you is more impactful."
While acknowledging that some viewers enjoyed the film up until its final moments, Cregger remains firm in his creative choices. "That's too bad. I don't care. It does not bother me at all. If you don't like the ending, we just disagree. I respect it. But I would never in a million years change it."
Despite the divisive ending, Cregger has indicated he has ideas for sequels. However, he has also expressed that he is finished making franchise movies following a negative reaction from some Resident Evil game fans. Beyond the ending, Cregger also made other adjustments based on screen test feedback, including the removal of several comedic moments.