Resident Evil film with Zach Cregger: first trailer and details revealed

The Resident Evil franchise has a new movie in the works, led by director Zach Cregger. The first trailer for the film was released on April 30, 2026, and offers an intriguing look at this fresh take on Capcom’s iconic survival-horror series. With a new lead character and a story that stands apart from the existing game plots, the film promises to be a tense and unsettling experience.

Director and lead actor

Zach Cregger, known for Weapons and Barbarian, is steering the project. He co-wrote the film with Shay Hatten. The role of the protagonist, Bryan, is played by Austin Abrams, who portrays a character that feels more relatable than the franchise’s usual trained heroes. In interviews, Cregger has said he wants to capture Resident Evil’s horror by centering the story on an “average gamer” — someone with no military training, forced to face the fear and survival instincts of an ordinary person in a world full of monsters.

A fresh approach

Unlike earlier Resident Evil films, especially the 2022 reboot Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City, Cregger has taken an approach that focuses less on familiar characters or game storylines. This movie is not about Leon S. Kennedy, but instead follows Bryan as he navigates a chaotic Raccoon City during the T-Virus outbreak.

Cregger’s take is less of a standard zombie movie and more of a monster film. He weaves in game-like elements such as scavenging for supplies and dealing with limited resources. There are also visual nods to the games, including the hiding of an iconic green herb from the series, which could help excite longtime fans.

Trailer reception

When the trailer dropped, reactions were mixed. Many fans were excited by the cinematography and grim atmosphere, while others criticized the lack of recognizable Resident Evil elements such as the Umbrella Corporation or familiar locations like the RPD. Cregger himself said he did not intend to reuse well-known icons, since fans can always turn to the games for that. He argues that a direct adaptation is not necessary, and that he values creating new stories while still respecting the core of the franchise.

Conclusion and expected release

With the film set to hit theaters on September 18, 2026, fans can look forward to a unique experience that could breathe new life into the survival-horror genre. Cregger’s vision offers hope for both newcomers and longtime fans, even as questions remain about how this new approach will affect Resident Evil’s long-standing expectations and lore. The film could well mark the start of a fresh chapter for the Resident Evil movie series, with new stories and unexpected twists.