The upcoming Resident Evil film, directed by Zach Cregger, is slated for a theatrical release next month and presents a departure from the established characters and narratives of the video game series. Cregger, known for his work on "Barbarian," has stated his intention to create a story that exists within the Resident Evil world but does not retread ground already covered by the games, particularly avoiding a direct adaptation of "Resident Evil 2."
Instead, the movie follows Bryan, portrayed by Austin Abrams, a medical courier tasked with an organ delivery to Raccoon City. The narrative appears to involve a roadside accident and encounters with the undead, with a significant portion of the film potentially set in a single location. However, the specific extent of these events and other plot developments remain undisclosed.
The film's modern setting, explicitly placed in 2026, is a key deviation. This allows for elements such as smartphones, which conflict with the '90s timeline of "Resident Evil 2." Cregger has embraced these changes, citing aesthetic choices, such as the inclusion of snow, as reasons for the liberties taken with the source material. He emphasized that the movie is not intended as a one-to-one adaptation, believing these differences strengthen the film.
Cregger described the film as a parallel story to "Resident Evil 2," intended to capture the feeling of playing the game. The protagonist, Bryan, is not a seasoned hero like Leon Kennedy but rather an untrained survivor who scavenges for resources, mirroring the survival-horror elements of games like "Resident Evil 2" and "Resident Evil: Revelations 2." This approach is also reflected in the cinematography, which reportedly uses a third-person perspective to emulate video game movement.
Notable cast members include Zach Cherry, Kali Reis, Paul Walter Hauser, and Johnno Wilson, who are set to portray employees of the Umbrella Corporation. The film is scheduled to premiere on September 18.