The full trailer for Zach Cregger's upcoming Resident Evil film has arrived, and early impressions suggest this adaptation might finally break the franchise's streak of disappointing movie entries.
The film is set to run parallel to the events of Resident Evil 2, but will not feature established characters or plotlines from the games. Instead, Cregger explained that the movie explores an alternate storyline on the periphery of the main game narrative. This approach aims to tell a story that can exist without disrupting the established universe of the games.
Cregger has described his motivation for the film as exploring what would happen if he personally were thrust into a Resident Evil scenario without any preparedness or combat skills. The trailer showcases this concept, featuring Austin Abrams as an average individual suddenly facing overwhelming horror. The tone includes a sense of dark humor, with one moment in the trailer reminiscent of Sam Raimi's Evil Dead films.
While the trailer incorporates comedic elements, Cregger has also emphasized his appreciation for the overwhelming sense of dread inherent in survival horror and Resident Evil specifically. The inclusion of levity does not necessarily indicate the entire film will be played for laughs, but rather that it aims to balance horror with moments of dark humor. By crafting a parallel narrative, Cregger has the opportunity to create a Resident Evil film that is both unique and potentially successful.
The film is scheduled for release on September 18.