Zach Cregger's recent take on Resident Evil has been lauded for its success in adapting a video game for the screen, a feat often considered challenging. A key element of this success, according to Cregger himself, is the protagonist. Instead of featuring a seasoned operative, the film centers on Bryan, an out-of-shape medical courier portrayed by Austin Abrams. Cregger explained in an interview with Polygon that he preferred focusing on "a schlub who's, like, out of shape and has never fired a gun before," believing audiences would connect more with such a character navigating a dangerous situation.
The film's critical acclaim and $60 million box office performance suggest this approach resonates. A sequel seems likely, though Cregger has indicated he will not return. Beyond Resident Evil, another recent adaptation, Paramount Plus's series based on the 1989 arcade game Golden Axe, employs a similar strategy.
While the Golden Axe series features the game's iconic heroes, it introduces Hampton Squib, played by Danny Pudi. Hampton is an inexperienced adventurer who initially appears to be a chosen one but is revealed to be a less-than-capable, wealthy individual. Actor Danny Pudi noted that Hampton's struggle to understand the world around him sets the series apart, contrasting with typical heroes who quickly master combat. This character serves as an audience surrogate, allowing viewers to experience the game's world through the eyes of someone relatable, much like Bryan in Resident Evil.
This approach stands in contrast to the perceived failures of the recent Mortal Kombat films. The 2021 movie introduced Cole Young as an audience surrogate, but his status as the chosen one made him difficult for viewers to identify with. The 2026 sequel, however, shifted focus to the more relatable, albeit incompetent, action star Johnny Cage, a move that appeased fans and provided a more grounded hero. Even upcoming adaptations like Noah Hawley's Far Cry series, with Rob McElhenney cast as the lead, hint at a continued trend of embracing characters with relatable flaws.
With the success of Resident Evil and Golden Axe, it appears Hollywood may be finding a formula for effective video game adaptations. The trend toward relatable, flawed protagonists suggests a move away from purely power-fantasy narratives towards stories that offer greater audience identification.