Zach Cregger Reinvents Resident Evil with an Original Story Set in Raccoon City

Key facts

• Zach Cregger directs and co-writes the new 'Resident Evil' film, set for release on September 18.
• The film introduces a new protagonist, a courier named Bryan played by Austin Abrams, not established characters like Leon or Jill.
• The story is set during the Raccoon City outbreak, inspired by 'Resident Evil 2' but following a different character.
• Cregger aims to replicate game mechanics: starting with a pistol, progressing to a shotgun, and managing limited resources.
• The film is produced by Constantin Film, Vertigo Entertainment, and PlayStation Productions, among others.
• The previous six 'Resident Evil' films grossed over $1.2 billion globally, with the 2021 reboot 'Welcome to Raccoon City'.
• Cregger's earlier directorial work includes 'Barbarian' and 'Weapons'.

A New Chapter in Raccoon City

Sony has released the first trailer for 'Resident Evil', a horror film directed and co-written by Zach Cregger, known for 'Barbarian'. The movie, set to hit theaters on September 18, draws from Capcom's iconic video game franchise but carves its own narrative path. Cregger's film does not feature familiar faces like Leon S. Kennedy or Jill Valentine. Instead, it follows a courier named Bryan, played by Austin Abrams, who is tasked with delivering a package as a T-virus outbreak plunges Raccoon City into chaos. The director emphasized that the story unfolds on the sidelines of 'Resident Evil 2', offering a fresh perspective on the apocalypse.

Staying True to Survival Horror Roots

In an interview, Cregger detailed his approach to capturing the essence of the games. His earliest memory of the series is playing 'Resident Evil 2', which introduced him to the survival horror genre's resource conservation mechanics. He recalled the tough choices of managing bullets and healing items, a tension he aimed to replicate on screen. 'You start with a pistol, you graduate to a shotgun, and then eventually you find an MP5,' Cregger said, describing the game's progression. 'You’re always worried about how many bullets you have, and you’re getting injured.' The film mirrors this escalation, with the protagonist's journey from point A to point B encountering increasingly dire threats.

A Protagonist for the Everyman

Unlike the tactical expertise of Leon, Bryan is an ordinary person thrust into extraordinary circumstances. Cregger described him as 'a good natured, hapless dude who gets sucked into a nightmare,' serving as an avatar for the average player. Austin Abrams brings authenticity to the role, reacting to mutant dogs and other horrors with genuine fear. 'How would I react authentically if I saw a mutant dog attack me?' Cregger pondered, emphasizing the emotional gamut Bryan experiences. This everyman perspective allows the film to explore the terror of being unprepared, a hallmark of the series' newer characters like Ethan Winters.

The Franchise's Legacy and Box Office Heft

The 'Resident Evil' film franchise began in 2002 with Milla Jovovich and Michelle Rodriguez, spawning five sequels that collectively grossed over $1.2 billion worldwide. In 2021, Johannes Roberts rebooted the series with 'Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City', which returned to the game's roots. The new film, co-written by Shay Hatten and produced by Constantin Film, Vertigo Entertainment's Roy Lee and Miri Yoon, and PlayStation Productions, continues this legacy. The original 'Resident Evil' game debuted in 1994 on PlayStation, later expanding to multiple consoles. Over a dozen sequels and remakes have followed, including this year's 'Resident Evil Requiem'. The franchise's enduring popularity underscores the challenge Cregger faced in creating something original yet faithful.

Cregger's Vision and Future Outlook

Cregger's directorial credits include 'Miss March', 'The Civil War on Drugs', and last year's 'Weapons', but 'Barbarian' cemented his reputation in horror. For 'Resident Evil', he drew inspiration from the games' cinematic quality, particularly the escalating journey through diverse environments. 'That feels so cinematic to me,' he said, explaining his decision to avoid retelling existing stories. By focusing on a new character, Cregger sidesteps comparisons to the games' beloved protagonists. The film's release on September 18 will test whether audiences embrace a 'Resident Evil' story that prioritizes fresh terror over familiar faces. With the franchise's built-in fanbase and Cregger's track record, the stakes are high.

The bottom line

• Zach Cregger's 'Resident Evil' film introduces a new protagonist, Bryan, set during the Raccoon City outbreak, avoiding established game characters.
• The film replicates survival horror mechanics like resource management and weapon progression, inspired by 'Resident Evil 2'.
• Austin Abrams plays an everyman courier, providing a relatable perspective on the horror.
• The movie is co-written by Shay Hatten and produced by Constantin Film, Vertigo Entertainment, and PlayStation Productions.
• The 'Resident Evil' film franchise has grossed over $1.2 billion globally, with six previous films and a 2021 reboot.
• The film is set for release on September 18, aiming to offer an original story within the franchise's world.