George A. Romero’s Unmade Resident Evil Movie Revealed in New Documentary

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Summary

  • George A. Romero’s creative influence was integral to the inception of the Resident Evil games.
  • Romero was initially approached to direct the Resident Evil movie adaptation, but his vision clashed with the studios.
  • A documentary, George A. Romero’s Resident Evil, delves into Romero’s failed project and offers a glimpse at an unrealized dream.

George A. Romero’s film adaptation of “Resident Evil” stands out as one of the year’s most distinctive video game movies. The franchise, which traces its roots back to 1996 and the first game developed by Capcom, is responsible for launching the survival horror genre. This initial game was a massive hit on the original PlayStation console, leading to a series that continues today with the release of the “Resident Evil 4” remake in 2023, and rumors suggesting another mainline installment may be under development.

The popular video game series Resident Evil served as a basis for a film franchise featuring Milla Jovovich, which began in 2002 and concluded in 2017 after six movies. These films developed an original storyline that borrowed heavily from the games, creating a blueprint for each subsequent sequel. Characters, creatures, and occasional plot points were drawn from the games, but the majority of the narrative was unique to the films. Critical reception was mediocre at best, but the movies proved financially successful enough to warrant continuation.

2021 marked the debut of “Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City,” a reboot that stayed truer to the game’s narrative, featuring many original characters and locations. However, this film didn’t quite hit the mark, as another reboot is in development from the writer-director of “Barbarian.” Interestingly, plans for an adaptation were already in place, under the watchful eye of the undisputed king of zombie horror, George A. Romero, long before any Resident Evil film was even released.

George A. Romero Helped Inspire The Resident Evil Games

George A. Romero is often referred to as the pioneer of the zombie movie genre, achieving fame through his 1968 groundbreaking film, “Night of the Living Dead.” Although he explored various themes in films like “Season of the Witch” and “Knightriders,” it was undoubtedly the zombie-themed movies that established Romero’s reputation. Among these, “Dawn of the Dead,” released in 1978, became one of his most recognized works. Following this, he directed “Day of the Dead” (1985), “Land of the Dead” (2005), “Diary of the Dead” (2007), and “Survival of the Dead” (2009).

As a movie enthusiast with a particular fondness for the zombie genre, it’s clear that many filmmakers have been inspired by George A. Romero’s groundbreaking work. When it came to crafting the chilling atmosphere and suspenseful storylines of the Resident Evil games, creators Shinji Mikami and Tokuro Fujiwara aimed to capture the same sense of creeping dread that Romero masterfully portrayed on screen. They sought to bring this eerie feeling to life in a way that would immerse players even deeper into the story, creating a uniquely terrifying experience. That’s why, when the idea of a Resident Evil feature film began to take shape, Romero was the natural choice to helm the project, given his undeniable influence on the genre.

The Creators Of Resident Evil Wanted Romero To Direct The Adaptation

After the tremendous success of the initial “Resident Evil” game, a follow-up was swiftly greenlit for production. Capcom didn’t skimp on promotion, investing a substantial amount of money into it. This included a high-budget trailer to boost sales, which they entrusted to George A. Romero. The trailer featured Brad Renfro as Leon Kennedy and Adrienne Frantz as Claire Redfield. Apart from the cutscenes in the first game, this was the “Resident Evil” franchise’s inaugural step into live-action, with Romero demonstrating his expertise to the game series he significantly influenced. During the trailer’s production, Romero was even heard on the commercial set commenting about it:

“I feel like I’m ripping myself off.”

Meanwhile, while Romero recognized the cyclical nature of inspiration, the makers of Resident Evil were simultaneously speeding towards the creation of a movie from their new IP, and they aimed to have the director of Night of the Living Dead in charge. Not only was an agreement reached, but Romero advanced significantly further with the project than many would assume. Romero drafted a screenplay for his intended adaptation of the game, and his Resident Evil script is still accessible online, being considered by many as a more accurate portrayal than what viewers eventually saw in the 2002 Paul W.S. Anderson film.

George A. Romero’s take on Resident Evil eventually came to an end due to various factors. Romero aimed to create a subversive zombie story, following his signature style. However, the studio sought a more action-packed film, considering it a wiser choice for franchise expansion and potentially multiple movies down the line. Despite their differing visions, there was little communication between Romero and the studio, leading to the demise of his adaptation and paving the way for Paul W.S. Anderson’s proposal instead.

Where To Watch George A. Romero’s Resident Evil

As a devoted admirer, I delve into the captivating narrative of “George A. Romero’s Resident Evil,” a documentary that Brandon Salisbury skillfully guides us through. This riveting journey uncovers the intricate details of the renowned director’s adaptation process and ultimately his passing. The film incorporates insightful interviews with individuals involved in Romero’s “Resident Evil 2” commercial production, as well as those closest to him, revealing glimpses into his distinguished career and profound philosophies.

The documentary also includes segments where passages from Romero’s script are narrated, offering viewers a genuine understanding of the filmmaker’s vision for “Resident Evil.” Simultaneously, clips from the “Resident Evil 2” commercial provide a glimpse into what the final product might have been.

George A. Romero’s movie titled “Resident Evil” was launched in January 2025, but unfortunately, it’s not available for streaming. However, you can rent the documentary on various platforms such as Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Fandango at Home, Google Play, and YouTube. Despite the Resident Evil games continuing to thrive and another movie in production, George A. Romero’s “Resident Evil” serves as a nostalgic peek into an unrealized vision that many fans yearn for. It offers a tender glimpse at the early days of the IP and the distinctive routes the films might have taken.

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2025-05-18 22:14