Zach Cregger is directing a new Resident Evil movie scheduled for release on September 18, 2026, in theaters and filmed for IMAX [1, 2]. The film will not adapt the characters or plot directly from the Resident Evil games but instead features an original story capturing the survival horror spirit [3, 2].
The movie follows a new protagonist named Bryan, a civilian with no combat training who struggles to handle weapons, missing 99% of his shots [1, 2]. Cregger said, "I had this idea for a story in the world of Resident Evil, but it's kind of like me, like if I was dropped into a Resident Evil game. I'm terrible with guns I wouldn't know how any of them work I would miss 99% of my shots" [2].
Cregger aimed to recreate the feeling of dread and vulnerability that defines survival horror games. "Resident Evil is kind of the flagship for survival horror. What I love about survival horror games, and Resident Evil mostly is this overwhelming feeling of dread," he said [1].
The first teaser for the movie was released between April 30 and May 7, 2026. It showed a snowy Raccoon City and new monsters, introducing viewers to the new story setting [3]. Some fans expressed disappointment over the absence of familiar game characters and story elements in the teaser [3, 2]. Cregger acknowledged these concerns but said, "I didn’t realize how passionate some people were about that. But if I did that I don’t think I’d be creatively fulfilled, and I don’t even think they would enjoy it" [3].
The film’s release on September 18 remains the next major event, promising a fresh take on the Resident Evil franchise with a focus on survival horror tone and a civilian protagonist unprepared for constant danger [1, 2].
