Resident Evil movie director Zach Cregger is days away from his survival horror adaptation’s theatrical premiere, however do not count on to assist convey one other franchise movie to the large display ever once more.
The filmmaker behind this month’s Capcom mission talked about what’s subsequent for him throughout a dialog with Deadline. When requested if he is ever been pressured to spearhead one other recognizable IP, he gave a blunt reply: “I am not doing that.”
“I’ve by no means been approached by one other franchise,” Cregger mentioned. “Perhaps I’ve, however it will by no means get to me as a result of I’ve been very clear that I’m not doing that. I’m doing this, and that’s it for me.”
One may suspect Cregger’s aversion to massive franchise movies like Resident Evil may stem from the backlash he is acquired within the months main as much as his film’s premiere. Whereas the Barbarian and Weapons creator definitely has loads of defenders wanting ahead to seeing his new live-action take, there have been many, many others who aren’t fairly as excited.
Many of the stress has come from those that really feel his Resident Evil does not align with the sport it is primarily based on. Modifications to the supply materials, together with its modern setting and snowy Raccoon City, have set followers on edge, whereas others aren’t in love with the concept of following a brand new protagonist (Austin Abrams’ Bryan Hodukavich) as an alternative of somebody like Leon S. Kennedy or Claire Redfield.
The controversy surrounding the Resident Evil film has been quite loud, however there are a number of components at play on the subject of his plans for the long run. He clarified that the choice comes all the way down to his standing as a author who desires “to put in writing no matter I need to write.”
“I don’t need to write one thing the place I’ve to ensure I am tagging totally different knowledge factors to fulfill X,” he continued. “I simply need to fulfill me. And the one motive that I feel Resident Evil is OK for me to do is as a result of I’m enthusiastic concerning the video games and I just like the story that I considered with the video games and I’m making it for me. I feel this film is cool, and I hope it checks the fan packing containers as a result of I’m a fan and I’m checking my packing containers.
“I am making the Resident Evil film that I want existed, so I can do this with a clear coronary heart and a transparent conscience and never really feel like I’m getting f**ked by some bizarre trade factor.”
Cregger has made it abundantly clear that his Resident Evil film is supposed to be a love letter to the expertise of enjoying video games like Resident Evil 4 and Resident Evil 7 and never a direct retelling of anybody specific story. Though he is writing off franchise movies sooner or later, it appears like one other journey to Raccoon Metropolis – or possibly even elsewhere within the Resident Evil universe – is not out of the query but. In one other current interview, the director mentioned he already has “ideas” for a sequel, even when we’ve but to see how audiences will reply to the primary film.
Resident Evil is expected to have a big debut when it slithers into theaters September 18, 2026. Subsequent up on his schedule are tasks just like the Siren Head movie, The Flood, and a Weapons prequel movie. Whereas we wait to see Cregger’s new imaginative and prescient for Raccoon Metropolis, you possibly can take a look at a new trailer that revealed a sneak peek at a creature that looks suspiciously like RE4’s Las Plagas. You may as well take a look at its organ transplant bag-inspired popcorn bucket.
Photograph by JC Olivera/Sony Footage by way of Getty Pictures.
Michael Cripe is a contract author with IGN. He is finest recognized for his work at websites like The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Remember to give him a observe on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@MikeCripe).
Hi, I’m Rishab. I’m a passionate pc gamer and an avid video game content writer. I have been involved with video games for over 2 decades now, and even today, after playing an astronomical number of games over the years, I’m still eager for more. In my free time, you will find me enjoying a hot cup of coffee and playing my favorite relaxing fishing game, Dave the Diver.
