Upcoming Resident Evil Movie Reportedly Doesn’t Have a Lot of Connection to Games

Despite the huge success of Resident Evil game series, especially with this year’s Resident Evil Requiem, there hasn’t been really great adaptation of Capcom’s franchise. This year, we will see another attempt, directed by Zach Cregger, and according to the early test-screens, we might expect in some ways surprising but solid title.

As revealed via World of Reel, the upcoming Resident Evil reboot is described as “horror version of Fury Road” and has a little connection to the games except a few Easter eggs and “some recognizable monsters”. Unlike previous adaptation, 2021’s Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City, this movie will not feature familiar characters like Claire Redfield, Jill Valentine, Chris Redfield, Albert Wesker, Leon S. Kennedy and more. You can check out more information about the upcoming Zach Cregger’s reboot below:

“Test screening recently occurred for “Resident Evil,” and it went very well, with reactions strongly positive. Early word is that Cregger hasn’t just made another video game adaptation — he’s delivered something lean, mean, and very confident. The runtime is 90 minutes, and it’s apparently all gas, no brakes. The film is said to be almost entirely built around tension.

The story follows Bryan, played by Austin Abrams, a package delivery driver tasked with transporting a mysterious briefcase to Raccoon City Hospital during a deadly virus outbreak. Abrams is basically playing the same kind of character he did in “Weapons” — a slightly off-kilter, druggie-type who gets thrown into chaos. It’s not meant to be a deep performance, and that’s the point. The character works more like a player avatar, just moving from one nightmare scenario to the next.

The movie prioritizes momentum over exposition, with minimal character development and a heavy emphasis on forward motion. Monsters show up often, practical effects dominate, and the set pieces are front and center. The environments are very much in line with the early games.

The scope is also small and contained. Instead of a sprawling mythology, Cregger keeps the cast tight and the focus narrow. There’s almost zero world building. Early reactions say it’s far more cinematic than previous “Resident Evil” movies, with strong visual framing and practical effects doing most of the work.

In a nutshell, one attendee described the film as being about a “massive druggie in a zombie world.” To be clear, the movie has practically nothing to do with the games. t’s also very gory, and will absolutely get an “R” rating.

Interestingly, Cregger recently admitted he never watched the earlier 2000s “Resident Evil” films, which has already caused some pushback from hardcore fans. He’s also been clear that his version won’t strictly follow the established lore. Instead, he’s cited “Evil Dead II” as a tonal influence, which makes sense given the mix of horror, speed, and chaos.

If the buzz holds, Cregger may have delivered something rare, a video game adaptation that embraces simplicity, keeps things tight, and just goes for it.”

At the same time, notable industry insider Daniel Richtman also reveals that the new Resident Evil movie is great, as he reported on his X account. Zach Cregger has already recommended himself as great director, especially by last year’s hit horror movie Weapons, which received an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress (Amy Madigan).

Resident Evil reboot is set to premiere on September 18. Cast of the movie includes Paul Walter Hauser, Kali Reis, Austin Abrams, Zach Cherry, and Johnno Wilson.

Are you excited for Resident Evil movie by Zach Cregger? Share your thoughts in the comments below!