RE2 must happen after the ending if you follow this one condition
The latest foray into the nightmare world of video game adaptations has landed with a satisfying punch: Zach Cregger’s new Resident Evil film is already cementing itself as one of the best-reviewed adaptations ever released. More than just jump scares, the movie offers a narrative framework so potent that its ending isn’t just a conclusion—it’s a meticulously crafted setup for what comes next.
This new cinematic experience throws viewers directly into a frantic race for survival. The story follows Bryan, a medical courier on an urgent mission, who stumbles into a horrifying, non-stop ordeal when his world collapses around him in chaos. He finds himself fighting for his life in a town that has devolved into something truly monstrous.
The film is packed with a talented ensemble cast, featuring Austin Abrams as the courier stranded in the unfolding disaster, alongside Paul Walter Hauser, Zach Cherry, Kali Reis, and Johnno Wilson. The directorial vision of Cregger, who co-wrote the screenplay with creators from franchises like Army of the Dead and John Wick: Chapter 4, brings a fresh, visceral energy to the familiar horror landscape.
The core of the narrative is rooted in the lore of the games, exploring themes of survival and infection. Bryan’s journey takes him toward the epicenter of the outbreak, ultimately resulting in a stark and memorable conclusion. Instead of a triumphant victory, Bryan becomes a tragic figure, succumbing to the virus that defines Raccoon City, almost serving as an unfortunate NPC in the game’s brutal reality.
Yet, this bleak ending is precisely what makes the sequel possible. By removing a traditional protagonist, the film leaves a vast, fertile landscape for new stories. It doesn’t offer a neat resolution; instead, it leaves the door wide open to exploring the fallout, the lingering viruses, and the devastating consequences that follow a major catastrophe.
The logical next step, as many fans argue, is a continuation—a Resident Evil 2. But for a sequel to truly resonate, one critical element must be present: the visionary hand of Zach Cregger. His direction perfectly captured the raw feeling of the video game world, and bringing him back to helm the narrative would infuse the sequel with the necessary authenticity and horror depth.
Despite Cregger previously opting for a more contained approach, the success of this film has clearly shifted his perspective. Speaking with industry observers, Cregger has acknowledged that his brain has already begun generating new ideas for what happens after the tragedy. While he is currently immersed in work on The Flood, the box office success of the franchise makes it inevitable that Sony will look to him to guide the next chapter. The stage is set, and with Cregger ready to step back into the spotlight, the future of the Resident Evil saga looks incredibly promising.
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