Resident Evil Stars Avoid Milla Jovovich Action Movies
The latest installment of the Resident Evil franchise isn’t just a blockbuster; it’s a seismic event for the horror genre, having smashed previous records for the franchise’s opening weekend. And leading the charge in this thrilling new chapter is Zach Cherry.
Cherry starred in the reboot that stormed into theaters this past weekend, earning a staggering domestic opening of roughly $60 million. This success completely eclipsed previous franchise highs, setting a new benchmark for the series.
Yet, behind the massive commercial success lies a surprising and rather candid story about the actor’s relationship with the horror genre. Before landing this monumental role, Cherry admitted he had never watched a single adaptation of Resident Evil, finding the material simply too frightening. He confessed that he was a self-proclaimed scaredy-cat and hadn’t even picked up a game controller for the series before filming began.
Despite this squeamishness, the result was an undeniable hit. Cherry’s foray into the world of intense horror proved that even those who approach the genre with trepidation can deliver a massive cultural moment.
What ultimately drew Cherry to the role, however, wasn’t the scares, but the vision of the creator. He cited loyalty to director Zach Cregger as the deciding factor. Cherry expressed genuine excitement, stating that his decision to join the project was fueled by a desire to participate in Cregger’s work, believing it was going to be a lot of fun.
This dedication to a shared vision paid off handsomely. Instead of continuing the narrative threads of the previous film adaptations, Cregger crafted an entirely original tale set within the familiar, game-inspired world. This creative pivot allowed the new reboot to establish itself as a fresh, compelling story, blowing past previous cinematic benchmarks.