A new era of horror is brewing, thanks to filmmaker Zach Cregger, known for delivering intense, visceral action in films like Barbarian and Weapons. Cregger is taking his vision to the world of gaming, directing a new Resident Evil movie for Sony, aiming for a theatrical release in September 2026.
Cregger is determined that this adaptation will honor the established lore of the franchise while forging a completely new path. Rather than retreading familiar game narratives, he promises an experience that is pure cinematic chaos—a real-time journey through unimaginable terror.
The core concept positions the story not around established game characters, but through the eyes of an utterly inept everyman. The narrative kicks off with Bryan, a laid-back organ courier, who is sent on a late-night delivery to Raccoon City General Hospital. On his journey through a snowy mountain road, he accidentally encounters a strange woman, setting off a chain reaction that leads him into a full-blown outbreak of horrifying tentacle-based mutations and bio-engineered monstrosities.
This story is designed to feel like a relentless gauntlet. As Bryan tries desperately to survive, he is thrust into an action-packed race for survival against a nightmare unfolding in chaos. Cregger describes the film as following a character from point A to point B, moving through successive set-pieces where every location presents a unique and deadly challenge.
Cregger’s approach draws inspiration from the rhythm of the video games, utilizing that flow to accelerate the pace. He envisions the movie as a raw, frenetic experience—a cinematic assault that pushes the boundaries of horror filmmaking, reminiscent of classic action-horror—a true Evil Dead II with a wild, camera-driven sense of mayhem.
The cast brings a diverse array of talents to the unfolding disaster. Austin Abrams takes on the lead role as Bryan, supported by acclaimed actors including Paul Walter Hauser, Zach Cherry, Johnno Wilson, and Kali Reis. Cherry will portray a scientist at the hospital, while Reis is set to play an ex-military character.
The production is backed by a powerful consortium of studios, including Constantin Film, Vertigo Entertainment, and PlayStation Productions, with Sony’s Columbia Pictures overseeing the project. This broad backing ensures that Cregger’s vision of a nonstop action roller coaster is fully realized.
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Credit: JoBlo
