Zach Cregger says his upcoming “Resident Evil” will tell an original story within the games’ universe rather than retread a familiar campaign, describing his approach as “obedient to the lore” but “a different story.” In comments published this week, he added that signature characters like Leon S. Kennedy won’t be the focus because “their stories are told in the games,” and emphasized he wants to translate the series’ methodical, dread-driven pacing to film.
The project, set for theatrical release on September 18, 2026, is being written by Cregger with Shay Hatten and is backed by Sony/Columbia alongside longtime franchise producer Constantin Film. Recent interviews outline a survival-horror tone rooted in the games’ rhythms rather than a beat-by-beat adaptation.
Production appears to be gearing up in Central Europe. Local filings show the untitled feature was registered to shoot in the Czech Republic, indicating Prague as a likely base. Industry tracking has also linked Austin Abrams to the cast, following his collaboration with Cregger on “Weapons,” though the role has not been announced.
Cregger’s stance arrives amid renewed attention on how faithfully game adaptations should mirror source narratives. He has framed his film as a “love letter” that respects the rules of the series while building something new, a contrast to recent live-action efforts that either remixed canon or attempted closer retellings. His remarks suggest a single-protagonist, gauntlet-style structure inspired by the franchise’s tension and restraint rather than an ensemble of legacy heroes.
The director’s pivot toward an original storyline follows a decades-long run of screen takes on the Capcom property, including the 2002–2016 cycle and the 2021 reboot. By anchoring a fresh narrative inside established lore and filming in locations associated with European survival horror aesthetics, the new entry aims to court newcomers without closing the door on longtime players who prize the series’ atmosphere and rules.
