The upcoming Resident Evil film, helmed by Zach Cregger, director of "Barbarian" and "Weapons," is facing a divided reaction from parts of the fanbase. While some anticipate it as potentially the best cinematic adaptation of the series, a segment of fans has expressed dissatisfaction with its perceived departure from the established look and feel of the Resident Evil games.
Criticism primarily centers on the film not being a direct adaptation of existing game narratives and its deviation from iconic game settings. For instance, the inclusion of modern elements like iPhones and snow-covered streets in a trailer has been noted as incongruous with the original Resident Evil 2. Some fans argue the movie "doesn't look like Resident Evil."
Cregger, however, has stated his intention is to celebrate the games by focusing on the player's experience rather than directly replicating game characters and stories. He explained his approach in an interview, "What I'm not doing in this is that I'm not going to cannibalize the characters and the stories that the games already do so well, because I'm not going to be able to improve on Leon. I feel like Leon exists in the games and anyone I cast and any haircut I give him or any line of dialogue I make him say, it's just not going to be Leon because Leon exists." Instead, Cregger aims to tell an original story that adheres to the established world and its rules, emphasizing the survival horror elements over action.
The director acknowledged the desire for more direct adaptations but suggested that such an approach might alienate a broader audience or result in a less compelling film. He pointed to the notoriously awkward opening of Resident Evil 2, where the protagonist Leon Kennedy casually reacts to his first zombies, as an example of a moment that might not translate well to film in a direct adaptation.
Previous live-action Resident Evil films, including the Milla Jovovich series and the recent "Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City," have also faced criticism for not being direct game adaptations and for their quality. Cregger's film is seen by some as a potential improvement, despite the initial backlash. The trailer itself has been described as not immediately screaming "Resident Evil," though it does contain subtle nods, such as a conspicuously placed typewriter, a reference to the series' signature save points. Cregger's background in sketch comedy also suggests the film may incorporate levity, a characteristic that may contribute to the current fan debate.
Despite the criticisms, the prospect of a celebrated horror director bringing his personal passion for the games to a new film is seen by some as a significant positive development, especially when contrasted with previous, less successful adaptations.