Back

The Director Of The Next Resident Evil Movie Has Already Beaten Requiem Twice – What It Means for the Film

Yelzkizi The Director Of The Next Resident Evil Movie Has Already Beaten Requiem Twice – What It Means for the Film

Who Is Directing the Next Resident Evil Movie

Zach Cregger, the filmmaker behind the horror hit Barbarian, is set to write and direct a new Resident Evil film for Sony’s Columbia Pictures, slated for a 2026 release. Co-written by Shay Hatten, the project is helmed by Cregger, a dedicated gamer who has spent thousands of hours on the franchise. Notably, Cregger is ignoring previous film adaptations, including the Milla Jovovich series and the 2021 reboot, choosing instead to draw direct inspiration from Resident Evil 2, 3, and 4.

Yelzkizi the director of the next resident evil movie has already beaten requiem twice – what it means for the film
Yelzkizi the director of the next resident evil movie has already beaten requiem twice – what it means for the film

Resident Evil Requiem Explained and Why It Matters

Resident Evil: Requiem is the fictional ninth mainline installment in the video game series, released in early 2026. Set after Village, it became the fastest-selling entry in the franchise, selling over 6 million copies in two weeks. The game features photorealistic visuals and a dual-protagonist structure involving newcomer Grace Ashcroft and a returning Leon S. Kennedy. It blends classic elements like puzzles and resource management with modern innovations like drivable vehicles and interconnected open areas.

Director of the Next Resident Evil Movie Plays Requiem Twice

Reports from journalist Destiny Jackson reveal that Zach Cregger has already completed Resident Evil: Requiem twice. This highlights his commitment to staying current with the franchise’s lore and gameplay. Cregger’s hands-on approach contrasts with previous directors who did not always play the source material. He has openly discussed his gaming experiences, including finding Resident Evil Village so terrifying that he had to stop playing at certain points.

What Beating Resident Evil Requiem Twice Reveals About the Director

Cregger’s multiple playthroughs confirm he is a genuine fan rather than a casual filmmaker. This immersion suggests a deep respect for the franchise’s atmosphere, pacing, and mechanics. His willingness to spend dozens of hours mastering the latest game indicates a dedication to authenticity and research. Furthermore, his admission of being frightened by the games suggests he intends to prioritize genuine horror in his cinematic adaptation.

Yelzkizi the director of the next resident evil movie has already beaten requiem twice – what it means for the film
Yelzkizi the director of the next resident evil movie has already beaten requiem twice – what it means for the film

Resident Evil Requiem Gameplay Features the Director Experienced

By playing Requiem, Cregger experienced the series’ evolution, including complex puzzles, stealth takedowns, and resource management. He navigated the different playstyles of Grace and Leon, faced iconic monsters, and experienced the rhythmic tension-and-release cycle characteristic of the games. These firsthand experiences with modern survival horror mechanics are expected to inform how he structures suspense and action in the film.

Is Resident Evil Requiem Connected to the New Movie Plot

The upcoming film will not directly adapt the plot of Resident Evil: Requiem. Cregger has stated that the movie features an original story and will not focus on established game characters like Leon S. Kennedy. While the film “lives in the world” of the games and may include subtle Easter eggs for Requiem players, the movie is reportedly a 1990s-era origin story set during an outbreak, making it narratively separate from the 2026 game’s timeline.

How Resident Evil Games Influence Resident Evil Movies

Past Resident Evil films have taken various approaches to game influence: the original series used game elements in original stories, while the 2021 reboot attempted to compress specific game plots. Cregger’s 2026 film aims for a middle ground, using the games’ atmosphere, creature designs, and themes of corporate conspiracy to craft a new narrative. He intends to prioritize the sensibilities of game fans over the established film canon.

Yelzkizi the director of the next resident evil movie has already beaten requiem twice – what it means for the film
Yelzkizi the director of the next resident evil movie has already beaten requiem twice – what it means for the film

Differences Between Resident Evil Games and Movies Explained

Translating Resident Evil to film involves navigating several fundamental differences:

  • Interactivity: Games build tension through player agency, while movies rely on cinematic techniques.
  • Runtime: Games offer 10–15 hours of development, requiring movies to compress plots and characters.
  • Tone: Movies must maintain a consistent balance between the franchise’s survival horror roots and its inherent B-movie camp.
  • Visuals and Audience: Filmmakers must adapt game aesthetics for live-action realism while providing enough exposition for non-gamers without alienating fans.

Will the New Resident Evil Movie Follow the Game Storyline

The 2026 movie will not follow a specific game script. Instead, it follows a new protagonist named Bryan, a medical courier trapped in a hospital during an outbreak. While the setting reflects the Raccoon City era of Resident Evil 2 and 3, the plot is a “what if?” scenario. This approach allows for surprises even for veteran players while protecting the integrity of the games’ established character arcs.

How Game Knowledge Could Improve the Resident Evil Movie

Cregger’s deep knowledge of the franchise is expected to enhance the film by:

  • Nailing the Atmosphere: Recreating the specific brand of dread found in the games.
  • Respecting Lore: Ensuring the script fits logically within the broader universe.
  • Meaningful Details: Including organic Easter eggs that reward longtime fans.
  • Balancing Tone: Managing the mix of horror and “weird fun,” similar to Evil Dead 2.
  • Refining Action: Designing set-pieces inspired by actual gameplay mechanics rather than generic action tropes.
Yelzkizi the director of the next resident evil movie has already beaten requiem twice – what it means for the film
Yelzkizi the director of the next resident evil movie has already beaten requiem twice – what it means for the film

Resident Evil Movie Reboot Details and Latest Updates

The upcoming Resident Evil film is a total reboot and the start of a new continuity, following the commercial and critical disappointment of 2021’s Welcome to Raccoon City and the 2022 Netflix series. After an intense bidding war involving Warner Bros. and Netflix, Sony’s Columbia Pictures won distribution rights in March 2025. Zach Cregger is directing and co-writing with Shay Hatten, in partnership with PlayStation Productions and Vertigo Entertainment.

A leaked early screenplay suggested a “gonzo,” darkly comedic tone similar to Sam Raimi’s Evil Dead 2, which Cregger described as a “weird, fun, wild story.” The film is an original origin story focusing on a civilian medical courier. Principal photography took place in Prague—standing in for Raccoon City—from October 2025 to February 2026. Cregger, who has not watched the previous film adaptations, is drawing inspiration from Resident Evil 2, 3, and 4, describing the movie’s structure as a “real-time journey” into the “depths of Hell.” The film is expected to be R-rated, featuring significant gore and creature effects.

Resident Evil Movie Cast, Release Date, and Production News

The film features a cast of largely original characters. Austin Abrams stars as Bryan, a young medical courier and the lead protagonist. He is joined by Paul Walter Hauser as Carl, Zach Cherry in an undisclosed role, professional boxer-turned-actress Kali Reis, and comedian Johnno Wilson as Max. The involvement of actors with comedy backgrounds reinforces the film’s intended tonal balance of horror and levity.

The movie is scheduled for a theatrical and IMAX release on September 18, 2026. It has a budget of approximately $80 million, allowing for high production values and polished CGI. Veteran cinematographer Dariusz Wolski is handling the visuals. The producing team includes Robert Kulzer, Roy Lee, Miri Yoon, Asad Qizilbash, and Carter Swan, representing a mix of horror expertise and game-brand oversight.

What Fans Can Expect From the Next Resident Evil Film

Audiences can expect a survival horror experience that prioritizes dread and atmosphere over non-stop action, punctuated by intense, Evil Dead 2-inspired sequences. The story follows Bryan’s journey from the initial Raccoon City outbreak into a remote hospital, a setting rich with horror potential. Fans can anticipate graphic gore, terrifying mutations, and at least one major “boss” creature. While the plot is original, the film will be filled with Easter eggs, including potential references to Umbrella, the Arklay Mountains, and iconic game files. The story is designed to be self-contained but offers potential for sequels or cameos from legacy game characters.

Yelzkizi the director of the next resident evil movie has already beaten requiem twice – what it means for the film
Yelzkizi the director of the next resident evil movie has already beaten requiem twice – what it means for the film

Fan Reactions to the Resident Evil Director Playing Requiem

The news that Zach Cregger has beaten the newest game, Resident Evil: Requiem, twice has generated significant optimism among fans. Many view his gaming credentials as a sign of respect for the source material, contrasting him with previous directors. Cregger’s admission that Resident Evil Village was so scary he had to “nope out” has become a point of endearment within the community, humanizing him as a genuine fan. While some skeptics remain, the majority of the fanbase expressed a “wait and see” attitude fueled by newfound confidence in his direction.

Why Resident Evil Fans Are Excited About the New Movie Direction

Fans are enthusiastic about several aspects of the reboot:

  • Faithfulness: Cregger’s commitment to game “rules” and spirit.
  • Originality: The decision to tell a new story in a familiar universe rather than rehashing game plots.
  • Tone: The blend of horror and dark humor.
  • Talent: The presence of a strong creative team, including writers from John Wick and producers from IT.
  • Redemption: The hope that this project will finally provide a live-action adaptation that does justice to the games.

How Resident Evil Requiem Could Shape the Future of the Franchise

The massive success of Resident Evil: Requiem—the fastest-selling entry in the series—guarantees continued heavy investment from Capcom, including DLC and future mainline entries. Its gameplay innovations, such as dual protagonists and interconnected “hub” zones, may set the template for Resident Evil 10. New characters like Grace Ashcroft have the potential to become franchise staples. Additionally, the synergy between the game’s release and the 2026 movie (timed with the 30th anniversary) signals a new era of transmedia coordination. Requiem has effectively raised the bar for quality across the entire franchise, shaping both narrative trajectories and fan expectations for years to come.

Yelzkizi the director of the next resident evil movie has already beaten requiem twice – what it means for the film
Yelzkizi the director of the next resident evil movie has already beaten requiem twice – what it means for the film

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. When is the new Resident Evil movie coming out?
    The film is scheduled for theatrical and IMAX release on September 18, 2026.
  2. Who is directing the next Resident Evil movie?
    Zach Cregger (Barbarian) is directing and co-writing with Shay Hatten (John Wick 3 & 4). Cregger is a lifelong fan of the game series.
  3. What is Resident Evil: Requiem exactly?
    It is the ninth mainline video game in the series, released in 2026. Featuring protagonists Grace Ashcroft and Leon S. Kennedy, it sold over 6 million copies in two weeks and is set partly in a reimagined Raccoon City.
  4. Is the new movie based on Resident Evil: Requiem (the game)?
    No. The film features an original story focusing on new characters during a viral outbreak, likely set in 1998 Raccoon City, rather than adapting the plot of Requiem.
  5. Will characters like Chris, Jill, or Leon appear in the new movie?
    The reboot focuses on new characters like Bryan and Carl. While subtle cameos or references are possible given the setting, major roles for legacy game characters are not expected in this installment.
  6. What’s the plot of the upcoming Resident Evil film?
    Bryan, a medical courier played by Austin Abrams, must survive an outbreak of mutated creatures in a Raccoon City hospital while attempting to deliver a package.
  7. How scary or gory will the new movie be?
    It is aiming for a hard R-rating, utilizing Cregger’s horror background to capture game-accurate dread and gore. It reportedly features an Evil Dead 2 vibe, mixing intense horror with dark humor.
  8. Is “PixelHair” related to Resident Evil or the new movie?
    No. PixelHair is a 3D character hair asset tool for Blender and Unreal Engine created by artist Yelzkizi and is unrelated to the Resident Evil universe.
  9. Will the new Resident Evil movie reference previous films or start completely fresh?
    It is a total reboot unrelated to the Anderson films or Welcome to Raccoon City. It draws from game canon to create a fresh start for the film franchise.
  10. How could Resident Evil: Requiem (the game) influence future Resident Evil projects?
  • Gaming: Capcom may carry forward features like dual protagonists and semi-open hubs into Resident Evil 10.
  • Movies/TV: The game’s success encourages more high-quality adaptations and crossover potential.
  • Overall Franchise: As the fastest-selling entry during the 30th anniversary, it ensures increased investment in future games and potential remakes.
Yelzkizi the director of the next resident evil movie has already beaten requiem twice – what it means for the film
Yelzkizi the director of the next resident evil movie has already beaten requiem twice – what it means for the film

Conclusion

The Resident Evil franchise is experiencing a renaissance through the record-breaking success of Resident Evil: Requiem and a film reboot led by Zach Cregger. Cregger’s authenticity as a fan—having beaten the latest game twice—promises a cinematic experience that respects the source material’s “rules” and atmosphere. By blending original stories with the established spirit of survival horror, the franchise is moving in a direction that satisfies both veteran players and new audiences, ensuring a strong future for the series in both gaming and film.

Sources and Citation

Recommended

Table of Contents

PixelHair

3D Hair Assets

PixelHair Realistic female 3d character curly afro 4c big bun hair in Blender using Blender hair particle system
PixelHair ready-made 3D Jason Derulo braids fade hairstyle in Blender using hair particle system
PixelHair ready-made full Chris Brown 3D goatee in Blender using Blender hair particle system
PixelHair ready-made Rema dreads 3D hairstyle in Blender using Blender hair particle system
PixelHair Realistic Dreads 4c hair in Blender using Blender hair particle system
PixelHair pre-made female 3d character Curly Mohawk Afro in Blender using Blender hair particle system
PixelHair ready-made Drake full 3D beard in Blender using Blender hair particle system
PixelHair ready-made 3D hairstyle of Khalid Afro Fade in Blender
yelzkizi PixelHair Realistic Yeat French Crop Fade male 3d character 3d hair in Blender using Blender hair particle system
yelzkizi PixelHair Realistic Korean Two-Block Fade 3d hair in Blender using Blender hair particle system
PixelHair ready-made full 3D beard in Blender using Blender hair particle system
yelzkizi PixelHair Realistic female 3d character curly hair afro with bun pigtail 3d hair in Blender using Blender hair particle system
PixelHair ready-made 3D hairstyle of Travis scott braids in Blender
PixelHair ready-made Braids pigtail double bun 3D hairstyle in Blender using Blender hair particle system
PixelHair ready-made full weeknd 3D moustache stubble beard in Blender using Blender hair particle system
PixelHair ready-made 3D Beard of Khalid in Blender
PixelHair pre-made Ken Carson Fade Taper in Blender using Blender hair particle system
PixelHair pre-made Burna Boy Dreads Fade Taper in Blender using Blender hair particle system
yelzkizi PixelHair Realistic female 3d character curly dreads 4c hair in Blender using Blender hair particle system
Fade 009
PixelHair ready-made pigtail female 3D Dreads hairstyle in Blender with blender hair particle system
PixelHair ready-made 3D hairstyle of Big Sean Afro Fade in Blender
PixelHair ready-made Afro fade 3D hairstyle in Blender using Blender hair particle system
yelzkizi PixelHair Realistic female 3d character curly afro 4c big bun hair with 2 curly strands in Blender using Blender hair particle system
PixelHair ready-made curly afro fade 3D hairstyle in Blender using hair particle system
PixelHair ready-made 3D full beard with magic moustache in Blender using Blender hair particle system
yelzkizi PixelHair Realistic female 3d character curly puffy 4c big hair in Blender using Blender hair particle system
PixelHair ready-made Pop smoke braids 3D hairstyle in Blender using Blender hair particle system
PixelHair ready-made Braids Bun 3D hairstyle in Blender using Blender hair particle system
PixelHair Realistic 3d character bob mohawk Dreads taper 4c hair in Blender using Blender hair particle system
PixelHair ready-made full 3D beard in Blender using Blender hair particle system
PixelHair pre-made The weeknd Afro 3D hairstyle in Blender using Blender hair particle system
PixelHair ready-made Lil Baby dreads woven Knots 3D hairstyle in Blender using hair particle system
PixelHair ready-made 3D Dreads (Heart bun) hairstyle in Blender
PixelHair ready-made full weeknd 3D moustache stubble beard in Blender using Blender hair particle system
PixelHair ready-made 3D hairstyle of Kendrick Lamar braids in Blender
PixelHair ready-made top woven dreads fade 3D hairstyle in Blender using Blender hair particle system
PixelHair ready-made Big Sean braids 3D hairstyle in Blender using hair particle system
PixelHair ready-made top bun dreads fade 3D hairstyle in Blender using Blender hair particle system
PixelHair pre-made Odel beckham jr Curly Afro Fade Taper in Blender using Blender hair particle system
yelzkizi PixelHair Realistic female 3d character Cardi B bob wig with bangs 3d hair in Blender using Blender hair particle system
yelzkizi PixelHair Realistic female Realistic Short TWA Afro Groom 3d hair in Blender using Blender hair particle system
PixelHair pre-made Nardo Wick Afro Fade Taper in Blender using Blender hair particle system
PixelHair Realistic r Dreads 4c hair in Blender using Blender hair particle system
PixelHair pre-made Drake Braids Fade Taper in Blender using Blender hair particle system
PixelHair pre-made Drake Double Braids Fade Taper in Blender using Blender hair particle system
Fade 013
PixelHair ready-made Rhino from loveliveserve style Mohawk fade / Taper 3D hairstyle in Blender using Blender hair particle system
PixelHair Realistic female 3d character curly afro 4c ponytail bun hair in Blender using Blender hair particle system
PixelHair Realistic Killmonger from Black Panther Dreads fade 4c hair in Blender using Blender hair particle system
PixelHair pre-made Lil Baby Dreads Fade Taper in Blender using Blender hair particle system
PixelHair Realistic 3d character dreads fade taper in Blender using Blender hair particle system
PixelHair Realistic 3d character afro fade taper 4c hair in Blender using Blender hair particle system
PixelHair Realistic female 3d character bob afro 4c hair in Blender using Blender hair particle system
PixelHair ready-made Omarion dreads Knots 3D hairstyle in Blender using hair particle system
PixelHair ready-made iconic 21 savage dreads 3D hairstyle in Blender using hair particle system
PixelHair ready-made short 3D beard in Blender using Blender hair particle system
yelzkizi PixelHair Realistic male 3d Bantu Knots 3d hair in Blender using Blender hair particle system
PixelHair pre-made dreads / finger curls hairsty;e in Blender using Blender hair particle system
PixelHair pre-made Chris Brown inspired curly afro 3D hairstyle in Blender using Blender hair particle system
PixelHair Realistic Juice 2pac 3d character afro fade taper 4c hair in Blender using Blender hair particle system
PixelHair pre-made female 3d character Curly braided Afro in Blender using Blender hair particle system
PixelHair ready-made Top short dreads fade 3D hairstyle in Blender using Blender hair particle system
PixelHair ready-made 3D Lil Pump dreads hairstyle in Blender using hair particle system
PixelHair ready-made 3D hairstyle of Doja Cat Afro Curls in Blender
PixelHair ready-made 3D Dreads hairstyle in Blender
PixelHair Realistic female 3d character pigtail dreads 4c hair in Blender using Blender hair particle system
yelzkizi PixelHair Realistic female 3d character Unique Bantu puff twist hairstyle with curled afro ends and sleek parted base 3d hair in Blender using Blender hair particle system
PixelHair ready-made Kobe Inspired Afro 3D hairstyle in Blender using Blender hair particle system
PixelHair Realistic female 3d character curly bangs afro 4c hair in Blender using Blender hair particle system
yelzkizi PixelHair Realistic female 3d character 3D Baby Bangs Hairstyle 3D Hair in Blender using Blender hair particle system
PixelHair ready-made iconic Juice Wrld dreads 3D hairstyle in Blender using hair particle system
yelzkizi PixelHair Realistic female 3d character curly afro 4c big bun hair with scarf in Blender using Blender hair particle system
yelzkizi PixelHair Realistic 3D Dreadlocks: Realistic Male Locs 3d hair in Blender using Blender hair particle system
yelzkizi PixelHair Realistic female 3d character 4 twist braids 4c afro bun hair with hair clip in Blender using Blender hair particle system
PixelHair ready-made Omarion full 3D beard in Blender using Blender hair particle system
PixelHair ready-made short 3D beard in Blender using Blender hair particle system
PixelHair ready-made Afro fade 3D hairstyle in Blender using Blender hair particle system
PixelHair ready-made iconic J.cole dreads 3D hairstyle in Blender using hair particle system
PixelHair ready-made spiked afro 3D hairstyle in Blender using hair particle system
PixelHair ready-made 3D hairstyle of XXXtentacion Dreads in Blender
PixelHair pre-made Omarion Braided Dreads Fade Taper in Blender using Blender hair particle system
PixelHair ready-made Long Dreads Bun 3D hairstyle in Blender using Blender hair particle system
yelzkizi PixelHair Realistic female 3d character Cardi B Double Bun Pigtail with bangs and middle parting 3d hair in Blender using Blender hair particle system
PixelHair ready-made 3D hairstyle of Halle Bailey Bun Dreads in Blender
PixelHair ready-made 3D Rihanna braids hairstyle in Blender using hair particle system
PixelHair pre-made weeknd afro hairsty;e in Blender using Blender hair particle system
PixelHair pre-made Drake Braids Fade Taper in Blender using Blender hair particle system
PixelHair ready-made faded waves 3D hairstyle in Blender using Blender hair particle system
Dreads 010
PixelHair ready-made 3D hairstyle of Big Sean Spiral Braids in Blender with hair particle system
PixelHair ready-made 3D Dreads curly pigtail bun Hairstyle in Blender
PixelHair ready-made iconic 3D Drake braids hairstyle in Blender using hair particle system
PixelHair ready-made short 3D beard in Blender using Blender hair particle system
PixelHair pre-made Afro Fade Taper in Blender using Blender hair particle system
yelzkizi PixelHair Realistic female 3d character Cardi B Bow Tie weave 4c hair in Blender using Blender hair particle system
Bantu Knots 001
yelzkizi PixelHair Realistic female 3d character curly weave 4c hair in Blender using Blender hair particle system
PixelHair ready-made 3D full big beard with in Blender using Blender hair particle system
yelzkizi PixelHair Realistic female Blunt Bob 3d hair in Blender using Blender hair particle system