Director Zach Cregger, known for his work on "Weapons" and "Barbarian," has revealed that he is already considering ideas for sequels to his upcoming Resident Evil film. Cregger's approach to the franchise diverges from direct game adaptation, focusing instead on capturing the feeling of surviving a Resident Evil scenario. The film follows a medical courier navigating a zombie-infested Raccoon City.
Early box office projections indicate a strong opening weekend for the new Resident Evil movie, with estimates between $35 million and $50 million domestically. This performance could set a new franchise record, significantly surpassing the worldwide haul of the previous film, 2021's "Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City." Such success would likely encourage further investment in the series.
While Cregger initially approached the project as a "one and done" endeavor, the completion of the film has sparked new creative directions. "Now that it's completed, I can't help myself. This is just the way my brain works. I've already got other ideas of what could happen," Cregger stated in an interview with Polygon. He is exploring the possibility of further entries in the Resident Evil universe.
However, Cregger's immediate focus is on a different project. His next film, an original sci-fi story titled "The Flood," is slated for release on August 11, 2028, and is being produced by Amblin Entertainment. Following the completion of "The Flood," Cregger expressed openness to returning to the Resident Evil franchise, suggesting that future installments are a distinct possibility.
The upcoming Resident Evil film is scheduled to open in theaters on September 18.