Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil Movie Can Be Great, If It Avoids These Things

The survival horror game known as Resident Evil made its debut in 1996, leaving a lasting impact on the genre that would be felt for years to come. It wasn’t long before the game’s popularity soared to new heights, culminating in the release of a movie bearing the same name in 2002. Despite incorporating character references, it maintained an original approach. In total, six films based on the series were produced.

In 2021, “Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City” hit the screens as an attempt to cater to fans by staying truer to the games, but it didn’t achieve major success. Now, director Zach Cregger, known for movies like “Barbarian” and “Weapons,” is taking on a fresh approach to the series. No specifics have been disclosed yet, but the next installment of “Resident Evil” is scheduled to premiere on September 18, 2026. Here are some elements Cregger should steer clear from in his rendition.

Don’t Revisit The Spencer Mansion Or Raccoon City Again

Perhaps It’s Time To Head To Europe

From the initial live-action movies and their reboot, it’s clear that Raccoon City has had its share of visits. Introducing a fresh character to traverse Raccoon City during the zombie apocalypse could be an intriguing concept. In fact, adapting the game Resident Evil Outbreak, which focused on multiple residents attempting to flee Raccoon City in a multiplayer setting, would be an exciting choice.

Louisiana and European settings. Louisiana serves as the backdrop for “Resident Evil 7: Biohazard,” while “Resident Evil 4” and “Resident Evil Village” have their action spread across indistinct parts of Europe. Using any of these locations could inject new life into the movie franchise, making it wiser to steer clear of Raccoon City.

If There Are Cameos, Don’t Tweak Characters

Keep Leon Cool

According to Cregger, his intention is for his film to make a distinct impression while avoiding established characters, but it’s possible that these figures may still appear in the movie as he’s being secretive at present. If characters such as Jill Valentine and Leon S. Kennedy are included, then the actors must deliver spot-on performances reminiscent of their video game counterparts.

In the film “Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City,” while it stayed truer to the video game series, some fans found issues, particularly concerning Leon’s character. Unlike his portrayal as a self-assured police rookie in “Resident Evil 2,” he was different here. Introducing new characters can help mitigate fan complaints about character changes, but omitting established characters or references might not sit well either. It’s a delicate balance when transforming games into movies.

Don’t Avoid Humor

Keep That Signature Cregger Style

Cregger’s movies stand out among many contemporary horror films due to their ability to skillfully incorporate humor, without veering into comedy territory. Instead, he masterfully inserts comedic moments that provide relief during tense situations, allowing viewers to briefly relax. In the film Barbarian, Justin Long’s character exhibited some unsavory behavior, while in Weapons, Josh Brolin’s expletive-laden reaction to a strange dream was quite amusing.

The “Resident Evil” film series has either been overly somber or excessively exaggerated up until now. There’s a distinction between chuckling at a movie and sharing laughter with a movie. If Cregger can preserve his horror-comedy flair in his “Resident Evil” adaptation, it should all come together nicely. The games manage to incorporate humor, albeit in quirky ways through characters, but it’s still well-received, from Chris smashing boulders to the eccentric presence of Salazar.

If There Are Cliffhangers, Don’t Make Them Glaring

Don’t Build A Franchise

In my opinion, both “Barbarian” and “Weapons” concluded in a subtle manner that didn’t leave viewers frustrated or unsatisfied. Instead, they left enough room for interpretation, allowing the audience to complete the story on their own terms. Although there’s potential for sequels following the events of the movies, they aren’t essential. I personally appreciate standalone horror stories that can capture one’s imagination effectively without relying on further installments.

There have been discussions about making a prequel movie for a specific character in Resident Evil, but it’s just an added bonus. Many studios these days are focusing on establishing film franchises and interconnected universes. While a comprehensive Marvel Cinematic Universe-style adaptation of Resident Evil with talented directors like Cregger would be exciting, it’s not strictly necessary. Fans would simply be happy with one solid adaptation, so hopefully Cregger won’t feel compelled to leave too many plot threads unresolved.

Keep The Action Clean

No One Likes A Dark Movie

As a cinephile delving into the realm of chilling cinematography, I must admit that many horror flicks strategically place their narratives under the cloak of night, veiling the monstrous entities to maintain an air of mystery and suspense. While this tactic undeniably heightens the eerie atmosphere, it can sometimes fall short when it comes to delivering anticipated action sequences. In this film, I yearned for a clearer depiction of the sinister creatures and the adrenaline-pumping exchange of gunfire – a visual spectacle that would not only thrill but also amplify the heart-stopping moments of terror.

In a nutshell, it’s not mandatory for a Resident Evil film to be filled with action alone. For instance, the initial segments of Resident Evil 7: Biohazard mainly revolved around Ethan Winters fleeing and solving mysteries rather than engaging in combat. Consequently, crafting an intriguing, suspenseful horror movie that focuses on the mystery could be a more appealing approach. Given that the previous Resident Evil film adaptations leaned towards excessive action, this change might prove to be more captivating. Ultimately, what matters most is that the director maintains clarity in their storytelling, ensuring viewers can easily follow the unfolding events.

Don’t Go Experimental With The Storytelling

Not Another Weapons

Using two films, specifically “Barbarian” and “Weapons“, fans can find a common thematic element apart from humor that connects the two. In the former, the narrative begins with a single character and then switches perspectives multiple times, while in the latter, this technique is amplified significantly, creating an experience reminiscent of a contemporary reinterpretation of the classic film “Rashomon“.

For people new to Japanese films, Rashomon is a highly renowned movie that delves into various perspectives of a single event. Conversely, Cregger might find a shift in the Resident Evil series, focusing on one character instead, for it could aid the audience in their understanding. Shortening the length of the movie compared to Weapons would also be beneficial, as there were moments when it seemed excessively long.

2025-08-21 06:34