The Resident Evil film history is, honestly, a bit of a mess. You’ve got the Milla Jovovich era—which was basically a high-octane fashion show with zombies—and then that 2021 reboot that tried way too hard to fit two massive games into 100 minutes. Fans are tired. But there is a massive shift happening right now. Sony is trying again, and this time, the Resident Evil next movie isn’t just another generic action flick. It’s a full-on horror reset coming from the mind of Zach Cregger, the guy who made everyone terrified of basements in Barbarian.
If you've been following the trades, you know the release date is already locked in for September 18, 2026. That isn't just a random weekend; it’s the 30th anniversary of the original Capcom game.
What We Actually Know About the 2026 Reboot
Most people get this wrong: they think we’re getting another retelling of Chris and Claire Redfield’s story. We aren't.
Cregger has been pretty vocal about the fact that he isn't interested in "stealing" Leon S. Kennedy or Jill Valentine just to put them in a movie where they don't belong. In an interview with Inverse, he basically said he respects the games too much to mess with their established character arcs. Instead, he’s writing an entirely original story. It’s set within the game’s canon, specifically pulling vibes from Resident Evil 2, 3, and 4, but with a fresh cast of characters.
The plot follows a "hapless courier" named Bryan, played by Austin Abrams (Euphoria, Wolfs). He’s carrying a mysterious package into what we assume is a very bad situation.
💡 You might also like: How to Watch The Wolf and the Lion Without Getting Lost in the Wild
Think about that for a second. No super-soldiers. No elite S.T.A.R.S. members with infinite ammo. Just a guy with a delivery and a really bad day. That shift in perspective is exactly what the franchise needs to feel scary again.
The Cast and Crew Breakdown
Sony isn't playing around with the budget this time. While the previous films were handled by Screen Gems, this new Resident Evil next movie is being released under the Columbia Pictures banner. That’s a signal for "bigger and better."
- Director/Writer: Zach Cregger (Barbarian)
- Co-Writer: Shay Hatten (John Wick: Chapter 4)
- Cinematographer: Dariusz Wolski (Prometheus, The Martian)
- Austin Abrams: Playing Bryan, our main medical courier.
- Paul Walter Hauser: His role is still under wraps, but he's a powerhouse actor.
- Zach Cherry: Playing a scientist at a Raccoon City hospital.
- Kali Reis: A military veteran character.
Production is already well underway. They started filming in Prague in October 2025. If you've ever seen Prague in the winter, you know it has that perfect, gothic, claustrophobic energy that Raccoon City desperately needs. Photos from the set have leaked showing snowy streets and Umbrella-branded vehicles, which suggests we are definitely getting that "Outbreak" era atmosphere.
Why This Version Is Different
The biggest problem with Welcome to Raccoon City was the "cosplay" feel. It felt like actors wearing Halloween costumes of Leon and Claire, reciting lines we already knew. Cregger is dodging that bullet entirely. He told the audience at CinemaCon that the movie is "built in the spirit of the original games" and will follow one character's descent into hell from point A to point B.
📖 Related: Is Lincoln Lawyer Coming Back? Mickey Haller's Next Move Explained
It's a survival horror movie, not a superhero movie.
He’s even admitted he’s never seen the Paul W.S. Anderson movies. Some fans find that worrying, but honestly? It’s a blessing. He isn't trying to copy a formula that already felt dated ten years ago. He’s looking at the games—the source of the actual dread—and trying to translate that feeling to the screen.
The Lore and The "Umbrella Chronicles" Rumors
Early on, there were rumors the film would be titled Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles. While the official title for the 2026 release currently seems to be just Resident Evil, the DNA of those rumors remains. The film explores the corporate conspiracy and the grotesque mutations without being a beat-for-beat remake of a game we've already played.
Shay Hatten being involved in the script is also a huge tell. He knows how to write world-building and kinetic action, but with Cregger directing, the horror will likely take the front seat. Expect "very Zach" moments—meaning things will probably get weird, gross, and deeply uncomfortable.
👉 See also: Tim Dillon: I'm Your Mother Explained (Simply)
What to Expect Next
The 2026 window is going to be huge for Capcom. Not only is the Resident Evil next movie hitting theaters, but the next mainline game, Resident Evil Requiem, is slated for early 2026. It’s a massive "Year of Resident Evil" push.
If you’re looking for a faithful adaptation of the games, you might be disappointed that Leon isn't the lead. But if you’re looking for a movie that actually captures the feeling of walking down a dark hallway with one green herb and three bullets left? This is the first time in twenty years we might actually get that.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Watch Barbarian (2022): If you want to understand the "vibe" Zach Cregger is bringing to the table, this is mandatory viewing. It proves he can handle tight, claustrophobic horror.
- Track the September 18, 2026 Release: Keep an eye on IMAX listings closer to the date, as Sony has already confirmed a premium large-format release.
- Avoid the "Leaked" Trailers: There are dozens of AI-generated fake trailers on YouTube right now. If it doesn't come from the official Sony Pictures account, it's fake.
The era of Alice is over. The era of weirdly-cast Leon is over. We’re finally heading back into the shadows of Raccoon City with a director who actually understands why we were afraid of the dark in 1996.