Zach Cregger, director of the critically acclaimed Barbarian, is set to helm a new Resident Evil film that promises to depart drastically from previous adaptations. Speaking at CinemaCon, Cregger shared that the film will embrace the horror roots of the video game series more authentically, focusing on a single protagonist navigating through escalating terror.
Unlike Paul W.S. Anderson’s action-driven franchise, which grossed over $1 billion despite mixed reviews, Cregger’s vision is darker and more faithful to the gameplay experience. “You reach a point in every Resident Evil game where you’re nearly out of health, and you have to push forward into darkness,” he said, teasing the psychological tension his film will explore.
Austin Abrams has been cast in a leading role, with Oscar-winner Mikey Madison also rumored to join the cast. Production is scheduled to start later this year, and the film is slated for a theatrical release in September 2026.
Cregger, who gained fame through the comedy troupe The Whitest Kids U’Know and soared to success with Barbarian, is reportedly being paid $20 million to write and direct the reboot for Sony. The release will join a crowded 2026 lineup of video game adaptations, including The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2 in April.
