A first trailer for director Zach Cregger's upcoming Resident Evil movie has surfaced, hinting at a stark departure from previous adaptations. The footage, unveiled at CinemaCon, showcases a darker, more intense atmosphere, focusing on a single, harrowing night of survival. This new iteration appears to eschew direct game adaptations in favor of an original narrative within the franchise's established world.
The trailer centers on Austin Abrams, playing Bryan, a medical courier caught in a descent into chaos. Events appear to kick off with Bryan seeking assistance at an isolated house after car trouble. The ensuing scenes depict a relentless onslaught, featuring zombie hordes, dismembered bodies, and a pervasive sense of dread. Director Cregger has indicated this approach aims to capture the natural cinematic feel and pacing of the Resident Evil games, promising influences will be apparent for fans.
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"Over the last couple of decades, I have played a shit ton of Resident Evil,” Cregger stated. "If you love the games, you will feel their influence everywhere in the movie."
Cregger, known for his work on Weapons and Barbarian, has co-written the script with Shay Hatten. This project represents Sony Pictures' latest attempt to revitalize the Resident Evil film franchise, following previous iterations that have spanned multiple live-action films and a television series. The film is slated for release on September 18, 2026.
Early reactions suggest the trailer evokes Cregger's signature tone, with some noting a resemblance between a grotesque character featured in the trailer and the Baron Harkonnen character from Dune. While the trailer promises a more visceral horror experience, some commentary points out a potential lack of specific iconic Resident Evil creatures, such as "lickers." The film's narrative is described as following a single protagonist's increasingly desperate struggle through a night of escalating horror. The trailer also highlights some "weirder monstrous creations" that Cregger suggests extend beyond typical zombie fare.
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The Resident Evil franchise has seen a recent surge in popularity, partly attributed to the release of the latest game, Resident Evil Requiem. This new film is positioned to capitalize on that momentum, offering what is being described as a more grounded and terrifying interpretation of the survival horror universe.
