Overview
- Director Zach Cregger is releasing his one-off live-action Resident Evil film on September 18, 2026 and says he does not plan to direct more franchise movies.
- The movie follows an original character named Bryan, played by Austin Abrams, and places its story alongside the timeline of Resident Evil 2 while excluding legacy heroes like Leon and Jill.
- Cregger and co-writer Shay Hatten developed the story with Constantin Film’s approval and leaned on practical effects and physical performers to realize new creature work.
- The production keeps Umbrella and the T‑Virus but Cregger says the virus displays unique behavioral changes not seen in the games and one creature was built using acrobatic performers to shape its movement.
- Early industry trackers give mixed forecasts, with one report projecting about $45 million for a North American opening and another projecting a $100 million-plus global debut, and Sony has expanded international promotion with Cregger and Austin Abrams starting press stops in Brazil.