Director Zach Cregger, known for his work on the recent Resident Evil film, has shared his feelings about the movie's significant success, which garnered $363 million globally and became the highest-grossing and highest-rated entry in the franchise. Despite initial gamer backlash regarding his departure from direct adaptation of game storylines, Cregger stated he feels "gratified" by the audience's response, rather than vindicated.
Cregger admitted to being somewhat naive about the potential reception from gamers prior to the film's release. He noted that many expected a direct translation of familiar plots and characters from the Resident Evil series, a path his movie did not take. The director has since adopted a strategy of disengaging from anonymous online criticism, choosing instead to focus on creating projects that align with his personal vision.
"The only real way, I feel like, to do anything with it is to just not engage with it and just move on with your life," Cregger said in a recent interview. This sentiment fuels his excitement for his upcoming original sci-fi film, The Flood, starring Jennifer Lawrence. Cregger views this new project as an opportunity for the film to be evaluated solely on its own merits, free from the preconceptions often associated with established franchises.
Cregger has expressed a general disinterest in working on further franchise films, citing a desire to have the creative freedom to "write whatever I want to write." He aims to avoid the constraints of adhering to established lore and fan expectations. The decision to take on Resident Evil was driven by his passion for the games and the development of what he perceived as an original concept within the existing universe. Financial considerations, with a reported $20 million salary, may have also played a role in his decision to sign on for the project.