The long-running Resident Evil franchise may be heading towards its narrative conclusion within the next ten years, according to executive producer Jun Takeuchi. Speaking with Yahoo Japan, Takeuchi indicated that the recently released Resident Evil Requiem marks the end of a decade-long plan for the series that originated during the development of the Resident Evil 2 remake. He stated that multiple titles are still expected before this potential conclusion.
While the exact nature of this "conclusion" remains unclear, Takeuchi suggested it might relate to the current focus on specific characters and narrative arcs. Resident Evil Requiem itself revisited familiar faces and served as a reflection of the series' past and present. The possibility of a fresh start or a complete reboot has been considered by Capcom previously, as seen with Resident Evil 7, which acted as a soft reboot while retaining connections to earlier installments.
The Significance of Remake Order
Takeuchi also shed light on the deliberate order in which Capcom is remaking past Resident Evil titles. He implied that playing through these remakes in their planned sequence will reveal a deeper meaning. The upcoming remake of Resident Evil: Code Veronica, for instance, is slated for release after the Resident Evil 4 remake, deviating from their original chronological order. Takeuchi hinted that the Code Veronica remake will introduce alterations to align with the series' current canon and narrative direction.
According to Takeuchi, a central element of the current overarching Resident Evil narrative is exploring "the true nature of Spencer," referring to Umbrella Corporation founder Oswell Spencer. Resident Evil Requiem notably recontextualized the character through flashbacks, challenging established perceptions. Takeuchi indicated that the Code Veronica remake will be a crucial next step in this ongoing narrative, positioning it as a main entry rather than a spinoff.