Cregger tackles Resident Evil criticism and Gladys plans

When a major film adaptation drops, it often sparks more debate than the action itself. For filmmaker Zach Cregger, the launch of his full trailer for the upcoming Resident Evil film has brought a wave of critical discussion, particularly concerning its fidelity to the beloved video game source material.

Some viewers felt the adaptation missed the mark, suggesting that the movie was little more than a name-call, drawing comparisons to entries like Resident Evil 2. This sentiment highlighted the tension between faithful adaptation and creative interpretation.

However, Cregger stood firm in his defense, offering a philosophy rooted not in strict narrative replication, but in sensory experience. Rather than adapting a specific story from the games, he aimed to recreate the visceral feeling of playing them. He sought to capture the slow, creeping dread and the high-stakes resource management that defines the franchise.

“I like this slow, creeping dread,” Cregger explained, detailing his artistic intent. “I like the idea of one person moving on their feet from point A to point B, and they have to enter a gauntlet and go deeper and deeper and deeper into hell.”

He elaborated that his focus was on the gameplay experience: starting with a pistol, tracking bullets, upgrading to a shotgun, and finally mastering a machine gun while feeling constantly outmatched by the environment. For Cregger, the goal was not to tell Leon’s story better than the games did, but to deliver a cinematic experience that mirrored the moment-to-moment gameplay.

Cregger also made it clear that his vision eschewed typical Hollywood tropes, explicitly stating he did not intend to include Marvel-esque cameos. His aim was purely survival horror, steeped in tension and atmosphere.

Beyond the main feature, Cregger and Zach Shields are currently developing a prequel/spin-off titled Gladys. The script is actively in progress, with developers confirming that they are treating the project with seriousness. They believe there is an amazing story waiting to be told about Gladys’s origins and her transformation into the character we know.

Resident Evil is slated to open in cinemas on September 18th, clocking in at around 95 minutes. Cregger’s approach—blending genuine gameplay atmosphere with cinematic tension—positions this new venture as a distinct take on the iconic horror saga.