Resident Evil is a highly sought-after franchise. Whether in film or video games, everyone wants to sink their teeth into it. Everything that bears its name sells like hotcakes and, even in its worst moments, it has shown an enviable ability to maintain astonishing numbers. That is why it should not surprise us that in the bidding war to see who will take charge of the new adaptation of Resident Evil, there has been a struggle. And the one who has come out on top is one of the big players with a plan.
Because Sony will produce the next Resident Evil movie. Being a reboot of the series, the plan is for it to be directed by Zach Cregger and written by him along with Shay Hatten, focusing more on the horror aspects of the franchise. Although it still lacks an official title, it already has a release date, September 18, 2026, and although it may not seem like it, all of this is good news.
Why? Because all the pieces fit together in a particularly harmonious way. Of course, everything then has to go according to plan, something that doesn’t always happen, but if it did, there are reasons to have faith. Specifically, three reasons. Which we will break down for you below.
First reason: Sony is not new
The first reason is that Sony is one of the major film producers, but also the only one that has interests in the world of video games. Their relationship with Capcom is very long-standing, both from Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group and from Sony Interactive Entertainment, making them perfect partners for this kind of joint adventure. Especially since Sony previously handled the adaptations of Resident Evil directed by Paul W.S. Anderson and the recent Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City.
Additionally, Sony, in recent times, has changed its strategy. More focused on transmedia, they are exploring and exploiting the possible convergences between cinema and video games in a more sustained manner over time. This is something they could continue to exploit not only within their own group but also with other Japanese companies, such as Capcom.
Second reason: Cregger and Hatten know it
The second reason is that those involved in this new adaptation come from making good movies. An important detail when making a good film. Zach Cregger has taken the world by storm with Barbarian, one of the most acclaimed horror films in recent years, knowing how to masterfully exploit its limitations to play excellently with a masterful script and actors in top form. Moreover, his scripts for The Civil War on Drugs and more recently, Mars, demonstrate that he has an unquestionable authorial solidity.
For his part, Shay Hatten comes from writing the excellent John Wick 4, although he also wrote the disastrous two parts of Rebel Moon. What should we take away from this? With Zach Cregger on his side, who has also declared himself a fan of the Resident Evil games, and considering that the biggest problem with Rebel Moon is a direction bordering on moral illegality, we trust in Hatten’s abilities in the right context.
Third reason: it’s not the 2000s anymore (thank God)
The third reason is the most abstract, and fortunately, it is no longer 2002. Video games are no longer something that people don’t take too seriously. Paul W.S. Anderson did what he could with Resident Evil and created something unique and interesting in his own way, but it was hardly Resident Evil. And today, more than 20 years later, it is easier to create something faithful to the original work.
It’s not hard to envision a Resident Evil movie that is, well, Resident Evil. Horror, with zombies, a bit ridiculous and humorous at times, but with all the tension and brutality of the games. In fact, Barbarian already has that tone, which is why Cregger is a perfect choice as director, at least on paper. And Hatten has experience writing zombie stories, having penned quite a few films in the genre. Will all these pieces work when put together? We don’t know. But there are reasons to believe they will. And that’s why we must believe. Because maybe, next year, we will finally have a good Resident Evil movie that truly resembles the video games.
