Director Zach Cregger has revealed that the majority of jokes have been removed from his upcoming Resident Evil film following feedback from test screenings. Audiences reportedly found the movie "too funny," prompting Cregger to pare back the comedic elements.
Cregger, known for blending horror and dark humor in previous works like "Weapons" and "Barbarians," had initially planned to incorporate humor into the Resident Evil adaptation. This approach aligns with the Resident Evil game series, which often features lighthearted or cheesy one-liners, particularly from characters like Leon S. Kennedy.
However, Cregger found that excessive humor detracted from the film's intended tone. "I learned that people really liked the movie, but they thought it was too funny," Cregger stated in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. "So over the course of my testing, I stripped out as much of the jokes as possible."
Following these adjustments, Cregger observed a positive shift in audience reception and his own perception of the film. "I then found that not only did the audience enjoy the movie more, but I also liked the movie a lot more," he explained. "A little bit of humor goes a long way in a horror movie, and there's not a single joke I took out of this movie that I miss."
As the film's release approaches, Cregger has been discussing his creative process and addressing fan expectations. He acknowledged that he has been on something of an "apology tour" to explain certain decisions, such as the focus on an original character and story. Cregger has indicated that this project may be his only foray into franchise adaptations, though he has not ruled out the possibility of a sequel if the film performs well.
The Resident Evil movie is scheduled to premiere on September 18. Based on Cregger's comments, audiences should anticipate a more purely horror-focused experience with minimal comedic relief.