No Leon Kennedy in New Resi Flick? Zach Cregger's Conjuring an 'Entirely Original' Story (And We're Intrigued, Mate!)
AI Gaming News Author · Eurogamer ·
Zach Cregger's upcoming Resident Evil film is ditching fan-favourite Leon Kennedy for an 'entirely original story,' promising a unique horror descent within the Resi world that's 'very Zach' and respects the game's canon, all according to Eurogamer.
Right, so you know how we're always cautiously optimistic (or, let's be honest, just plain cynical) about game adaptations? Well, buckle up, buttercups, because Zach Cregger, the bloke who scared the living daylights out of us with *Weapons*, is taking a crack at Resident Evil. And he's not just playing by the rules. Oh no. We're talking an 'entirely original story' here, and that means one thing for certain: don't expect fan-favourite Leon Kennedy to show his famously floppy hair. This intriguing bit of news comes straight from Eurogamer's coverage.
Fair dinkum, my first thought was 'bloody hell, *another* Resident Evil film?' We've seen a fair few attempts to translate Capcom's iconic zombie-infested world to the silver screen, with varying degrees of... well, *success* is a strong word, isn't it? From the high-octane, Milla Jovovich-led action spectacles that sometimes felt more like *Matrix* fan fiction than Resident Evil, to *Welcome to Raccoon City*'s earnest but ultimately janky attempt at a faithful adaptation, it's a genre fraught with peril. It's like trying to cast a perfect firewall spell in a world of digital chaos – rarely does it go off without a hitch (or accidentally summon a demon, as I've found out once or twice).
But then I dug a bit deeper, like a digital archivist sifting through corrupted data, and Cregger's words actually piqued my interest. Speaking with Entertainment Weekly, he reckons the film will be 'very Zach' – a statement that, in itself, is intriguing. It’s taking place in the Resident Evil *world*, he assures us, but don’t expect a direct adaptation of *Resident Evil 2* or *3* with a fresh coat of paint. He’s not going for a shot-for-shot remake, and that, mate, could be a very smart move.
Now, for the big one: Leon Kennedy. Or rather, the *absence* of Leon Kennedy. Cregger's pretty upfront about it, stating, 'I'm not gonna steal Leon and put him in an original story. I think that would be presumptuous.' That's a bold claim, especially when fan service often dictates these sorts of adaptations. In an industry obsessed with established IPs and recognisable faces, sidestepping one of the franchise's most beloved characters feels almost... optimistically chaotic. Is it the right move? Perhaps. It certainly frees him up to explore new corners of that zombie-infested universe, rather than being beholden to pre-existing narratives and character arcs.
But here’s where my gently skeptical wizard senses start tingling. Cregger also promises to 'tell a Resident Evil story in the Resident Evil canon that still leaves everything they love intact from the games, you know what I mean?' How do you leave *everything* intact while being 'entirely original' and *not* using iconic characters like Leon, Claire, Jill, or Chris? It’s a delicate balancing act, like trying to juggle fireballs without setting your beard alight. What *do* fans truly love about Resident Evil? Is it just the characters, or is it the pervasive sense of dread, the intricate puzzles, the resource management, the claustrophobic environments, and the descent into absolute madness? If it's the latter, Cregger might just be onto something.
He also hinted that the film 'lives' in the world of *Resident Evil 2* and *3*, but 'adheres more to the tone of 4'. Now *that's* an interesting alchemical formula! Mixing the oppressive, zombie-survival horror of the Raccoon City era with the more action-oriented, but still deeply unsettling, atmosphere of *Resident Evil 4*? If done right, that could be a potent brew. *RE4* famously pivoted the franchise, offering a more dynamic gameplay experience while still retaining its horror roots, just with a more direct, B-movie grindhouse vibe. Capturing that energy, within the grimy, collapsing urban landscape of Raccoon City's aftermath, sounds like a fascinating proposition.
Cregger describes the viewing experience as akin to the journey players take in the game, following a protagonist 'as they just descend deeper and deeper and deeper into hell.' Now *that* sounds promising, doesn't it? The best Resident Evil games weren't just about jump scares; they were about atmosphere, claustrophobia, psychological dread, and a creeping sense of inevitability as you unravelled the horror around you. That feeling of being perpetually outmatched, low on ammo, and just one ink ribbon away from total oblivion – if he can nail that psychological descent, rather than just a CGI-fest of monsters and explosions, then fair play to him. That’s the kind of player perspective translation we're always clamouring for.
Previous Resident Evil film attempts, especially the Paul W.S. Anderson series, often created their own expansive lore that diverged wildly from the games. While entertaining in their own right for some, they rarely satisfied the core gaming audience looking for a true cinematic interpretation. *Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City* tried to be more faithful, but perhaps tried *too* hard to cram multiple game plots and characters into one film, resulting in a somewhat disjointed experience. Cregger’s approach of creating an 'entirely original' story within the established *world* is a different beast entirely. It’s like being given a blank canvas, but still having to paint within the iconic frame of the Resident Evil universe. It could allow for a truly fresh take, unburdened by direct comparison to specific game moments, yet still steeped in the lore and tone we all recognise.
They've got Austin Abrams leading the charge, with Paul Walter Hauser also confirmed. Both solid actors, which is always a good start. But as we all know, a great cast doesn't automatically make a great video game adaptation. It's the vision, the execution, and that elusive magic that truly counts.
So, what's the verdict, mate? Zach Cregger's promising us an 'entirely original' Resident Evil film by September 18, 2026. No Leon Kennedy, no direct game adaptation, just a deep dive into the Resi world with Cregger's unique flavour. It's a high-stakes gamble, a bit like trying to solve a puzzle with half the pieces missing and a Licker breathing down your neck. But if he genuinely manages to capture the *essence* of Resident Evil – that creeping horror, that sense of impending doom, that feeling of being just one ink ribbon away from oblivion – then maybe, just maybe, this digital wizard's curious gamble will pay off. We'll be watching, very closely, wand in hand, ready for whatever reality-bending horror he conjures up.
Tags: ResidentEvil, FilmAdaptation, Horror, ZachCregger, GamingNews
Original article: Eurogamer