Resident Evil Requiem has become the biggest-selling installment in the long-running franchise, and its stars are reflecting on the game's success and its passionate fanbase. In an interview at IGN Fall Fan Fest 2026, Angela Sant'Albano, who voices Grace Ashcroft, and Nick Apostolides, the voice of Leon S. Kennedy, shared insights into their characters and the game's impact.
Sant'Albano, new to the Resident Evil universe, described Apostolides as a supportive presence. "Nick has been wonderful. He's been like a big brother in a way, kind of guiding me through it all," she said. Apostolides, a series veteran with prior roles in Resident Evil 2, Resident Evil 4, and the Netflix series Infinite Darkness, noted the challenge of preparing newcomers for the game's grim world. "I think I just tried to help everyone understand the grim universe that they were stepping into," he explained. "These games are fun, they're campy at times, and yes, they're about zombies and surviving and the apocalypse, but they also have such grounded reality to them. They center around real human stories."
Apostolides highlighted a pivotal scene for Leon in Resident Evil Requiem, set in a garbage dump area with Grace. When Grace questions his determination despite his injuries, Leon responds, "I couldn't make a difference back then. But I'm here now, and this is my chance to make a difference." Apostolides sees this as core to Leon's character: "That's his spine, that's his DNA; he just wants to do the right thing and help those who can't help themselves."
For Sant'Albano, Grace's journey was defined by trauma and the courage she finds. The death of her mother exacerbated Grace's introverted nature and discomfort with human contact. Later, the death of Emily forced Grace to confront guilt and her perceived failures. "That feeling that she let her mom down, and now she's letting this other person she's really grown to love and care about down," Sant'Albano stated. "She has to stand up for someone else, and even though she's not good at standing up for herself, she has to find that bravery."
The online reception to Leon S. Kennedy in Resident Evil Requiem was particularly fervent, with a mature, grizzled portrayal sparking widespread fan enthusiasm. "It was a whole different level of Leon fever that I was not expecting. It was dialed up to, like, a 12," Apostolides remarked, with Sant'Albano adding, "Fever?" "It was a whole different level of Leon fever that I was not expecting. It was dialed up to, like, a 12. And I thought it was going to be, like, a nine, so we'll say that."
Fan speculation also centered on a wedding ring worn by one version of Leon, though the game does not reveal his spouse. "I usually just say he's married to you, the fans," Apostolides quipped when asked about the mystery.
Both actors attribute the Resident Evil series' longevity to Capcom's attentiveness to fans and their skill in crafting compelling narratives. "Number one, I think they really, really do listen to the fans," said Apostolides. "They also know what they're doing. They're extremely talented." He emphasized that while the games feature zombies and apocalyptic threats, they are ultimately grounded in relatable human stories that allow players to connect deeply with the characters. "There's a beautiful, like, metaphor to life of just getting through adversity."
Sant'Albano agreed, stating, "For me, like, as an actor, when I first read the script, I just felt that the human story is what made the game so addictive." She also praised the creation of complex characters like Grace, which she believes is essential for engaging players.
Regarding the new Resident Evil movie adaptation, Sant'Albano offered advice to the film's hero, Bryan: "Find your version of Leon, and try and find more than one bullet if you can, probably." Apostolides added with a smile, "Find a huge gun."
Looking ahead, Sant'Albano is performing in A Midsummer Night's Dream and voicing Gwendolyn in the action-RPG Tides of Annihilation. Apostolides has lent his voice to Ghost in the Shell, is working on the RPG Emberville, and is developing a zombie beat 'em up game with his brother.
Fall Fan Fest features exclusive reveals across games, movies, TV, comics, and collectibles, with streams available on IGN.