I recently visited the set of the new Resident Evil movie in Prague, and it was a wild experience. Imagine walking into a hospital maternity ward covered in fake blood—that was my first impression. This film, directed by Zach Cregger, aims to stay true to the chilling nature of the beloved video games while crafting its own fresh storyline.
Cregger is no stranger to horror. He’s known for hits like Barbarian and Weapons, but he’s also a long-time fan of the Resident Evil games. He fondly recalls his first experiences with the series, especially Resident Evil 2 and 4. “It’s like a comforting thing for me,” he shares, referring to how he plays the remastered Resident Evil 4.
In the upcoming movie, the storyline follows Brian, played by Austin Abrams. He starts in a rural setting and quickly finds himself navigating the horrors of Raccoon City—the familiar streets, sewers, and labs straight from the games. Unlike some of Cregger’s previous films with complex timelines, this plot flows chronologically. Brian moves from point A to point B, facing escalating threats and managing scarce resources along the way.
Cregger describes Brian as an “everyman.” He’s not a seasoned action hero; he’s just an average guy thrown into chaos, much like how many of us would react in a real-life horror scenario. Cregger quips, “I’d be totally unequipped. I’m not good with guns. I’m totally out of shape.”
The film promises constant tension. Brian’s journey includes navigating creepy sewers, where he’ll encounter monstrous creations unlike anything seen in the games. One creature, described as a grotesque mass, required four people to operate it. The goal is to explore what happens to humans infected with the T-Virus, while maintaining a tone that avoids the campiness of the games.
As for action sequences, expect plenty of excitement. The trailer hints at dramatic moments, including bodies falling from heights and an intricate elevator shaft that took the crew over two months to build—an impressive feat emphasizing Cregger’s commitment to realism.
Attention to detail is key in creating the film’s scary atmosphere. The infamous doors from the games will also play a role, as Cregger and his team found unique ways to surprise the audience with what lies behind them. They even constructed entire sets around single, shocking moments.
During my visit, I was struck by the sheer volume of fake blood used, with around 400 gallons splattered around daily. Cregger has a reputation for pulling no punches when it comes to gore, suggesting this movie will be no exception.
The film seeks to evoke the spirit of the original games while delivering a brand-new tale. This approach mirrors recent successful adaptations, like Amazon’s Fallout, which also ventures into new narratives instead of retelling the game’s story beat-for-beat. Cregger wants to capture the feeling of exploring Raccoon City for the first time, while adding his own twists.
“I’m going to live in the world of the Raccoon City games,” he explains, emphasizing that this story unfolds independently of established characters like Leon or Chris.
Resident Evil taps into the cinematic roots of survival horror, reminiscent of classics like Alien and George A. Romero’s zombie films. Cregger focuses primarily on the games, using their visual language to enhance the storytelling. He designed shots to mimic gameplay, making viewers feel as if they are right alongside Brian.
Cregger’s unique blend of horror and humor might also shine through, though he assures fans that he won’t revisit some common settings from his earlier works. Instead, expect the dark, atmospheric environments fans love, including the iconic Umbrella Corp labs.
After visiting the set, I’m convinced Cregger has a solid grasp on how to bring Resident Evil to life. Given his passion for the series, this adaptation seems poised to capture the scares that fans expect while offering something new. The film is set to hit theaters on September 18, 2026, and I for one can’t wait to see how it all unfolds.
You can keep an eye on updates through IGN for more insider information as the release date approaches.
