The first Resident Evil movie trailer might not have featured Leon S. Kennedy, but eagle-eyed fans may have spotted something familiar hidden in the footage. In an exclusive breakdown for IGN, director Zach Cregger highlighted several nods to the original games included in the sneak peek. Most notably, a very specific green herb was tucked away in the background.

Finding the Iconic Green Herb in the Resident Evil Movie Trailer

For those thinking this is just a common garden weed or pot plant, think again. This is intended to be the iconic healing item from the series. Cregger even went as far as replicating the exact bucket seen in Resident Evil 4.

"There's a plant, screen left, over his right shoulder, you can kind of see it," Cregger told IGN. "In the movie the shot pulls out further and you can see it [better]. I took the green herb from Resident Evil 4 and I replicated the bucket exactly, you can see the bucket there at the very end of that shot with the horizontal copper striping on it and the herb is exact for Resident Evil 4."

While the film likely takes place in the Resident Evil 2 era, Cregger admitted to bringing elements of his favorite title into the mix. "Even though this probably lives in the world of [Resident Em 2]," Cregger continued, "I just wanted to use a little bit of 4 in here just because it's my favorite. And I have some other items from 4 scattered around in this movie that people will notice."

Recreating the Classic Resident Evil Gameplay Experience

Beyond the herb, Cregger focused on other gameplay staples like searching for supplies. The trailer shows the main character frantically rummaging through drawers to find vital resources. Cregger noted that this scavenging is a fundamental part of the franchise's DNA.

"One of the things that's so integral to playing Resident Evil is you're constantly searching for healing items and ammunition," Cregger explained. "That's what he's doing in these scenes where he's going through the drawers. He's found a shotgun, he's got no shells, so he's got to comb this house for these vital bits of ammunition. You can't really do a proper love letter to the games without that."

The director also aims to move away from the single-location trope seen in older adaptations. Instead, he draws inspiration from the varied environments and pacing found in Resident Evil 4, specifically:

  • Distinct, interconnected locations
  • High-intensity action sequences
  • Dynamic set pieces like boat boss fights and minecart rides

"There's so much to do in that game, and that's something I really dug about 4," he concluded. "You're not just trapped in one mansion and you have gotta unlock a room and go here, you're really moving through a world." Cregger also noted that fans will see the classic mechanic of characters becoming stuck behind locked doors, requiring specific keys to progress.

Setting the Scene: Raccoon City's Day One

The film is set during "Day 1, Raccoon City" at the start of the outbreak. This timeline aligns with Leon S. Kennedy’s first day as a police officer in late September 1998. Interestingly, while the game takes place in summer, the trailer features snow on the ground, creating a slight departure from the established lore of Resident Evil 2.

Initial reactions to the Resident Evil movie trailer have been divided. Some fans criticized the aesthetic, suggesting it looks more like a 28 Days Later spinoff than a direct adaptation. However, others praised Cregger for avoiding a direct rehash of previous stories, such as the poorly-received 2021 reboot, Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City.