Fans of the survival horror franchise may need to adjust their expectations, as the upcoming Resident Evil movie will not be a direct adaptation of existing lore. Zach Cregger, the director behind Barbarian and Weapons, has revealed that his script does not feature established characters or retell any specific plots from the beloved game series.
A New Vision for the Resident Evil Movie
In a recent interview with the PlayStation Blog, Cregger explained that while the film is heavily inspired by the games, it aims to forge its own path. Instead of recycling known narratives, the director wants to capture the essence of the franchise through a new lens.
The structure of the Resident Evil movie will rely on a specific cinematic format:
- Following a character on a journey from point A to point B.
- Taking viewers on a "crazy journey" that constantly escalates.
- Building tension within a world that feels familiar yet unexplored.
Why Cregger is Avoiding Iconic Characters
Cregger expressed concerns that attempting to adapt existing storylines, such as Leon S. Kennedy's adventures, could lead to fan disappointment. He believes the games have already mastered those specific narratives too well to attempt a cinematic remake.
"That feels so cinematic to me. So I wanted to tell a story that could take place in the Resident Evil world, but wasn't telling a story that the games had already told," Cregger stated. He noted that re-telling Leon's story would feel "redundant" and "ultimately... disappointing."
Telling Stories on the Sidelines
Rather than competing with the source material, the director hopes to celebrate the franchise's strengths through a side-story approach. By creating a Resident Evil movie that exists "on the sidelines of one of the games," Cregger aims to honor what fans love without the pressure of direct adaptation.
