Resident Evil Director Cregger Plans Different Story Excluding Franchise Characters

Zach Cregger is directing a new Resident Evil movie for Sony that tells an original story outside the established characters from the games, particularly excluding fan-favorite Leon S. Kennedy. Cregger emphasizes that while the story is different, it remains faithful to the lore and rules of the Resident Evil games, describing the film as a "love letter" to the franchise. Co-written with Shay Hatten and starring Austin Abrams, the movie aims to capture the unique pacing and cinematic experience of the games, focusing on one central protagonist's descent into horror. This reboot follows multiple previous adaptations, including a 2021 film and a canceled Netflix series, with Cregger bringing his horror and comedy background to balance the tone. Fans are encouraged to explore the games for the classic characters' stories, as Cregger is committed to delivering fresh content that respects the source material. The film is set for release on September 18, 2026, with production involving Constantin Film and PlayStation Productions.