The Resident Evil franchise has faced significant challenges in its live-action adaptations, beginning with the release of its first film in 2002, featuring Milla Jovovich. Unfortunately, the movie series has struggled critically, with all six installments on Metacritic receiving scores below 50. Notably, most entries linger below the 40 mark. The 2021 reboot, Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City, continued this trend, landing at a disappointing Metascore of just 44.
Despite the past failures, hope remains for the franchise’s future in live-action. As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, renowned writer and director Zach Cregger, known for the horror film Barbarian, is currently developing a new reboot. The project has sparked intense competition among major studios, including Warner Bros.and Netflix, with many anticipating that Cregger’s vision could finally yield the adaptation fans have long desired. Moreover, Capcom may have the perfect opportunity to enhance the release with a new video game title.
A Timely Release for the Resident Evil Reboot
Embracing the Roots of Resident Evil
Zach Cregger, although previously known for his work in comedy, made a noteworthy transition to horror with his 2022 film Barbarian. This film, while not a box office smash, has cultivated a dedicated fanbase since its debut.
If Cregger’s reboot aligns with the style of Barbarian, audiences can anticipate a more intimate storytelling approach. Rather than the expansive underground complexes and sci-fi elements of the earlier films, this adaptation is more likely to focus on a confined setting with a smaller cast and minimal action sequences, echoing the tone of the original Resident Evil video games, in stark contrast to the later installments like Resident Evil 5 and 6.
A Synchronized Release with a Remake
Capcom could strategically capitalize on this reboot by launching a remake of a classic Resident Evil game concurrently with the film. This would provide fans with an opportunity to experience a revamped game that mirrors the movie’s themes. The long-awaited remake of Resident Evil 0 is a strong contender, offering its own atmospheric settings that would likely resonate with the anticipated film’s tone. Recent leaks indicate that the development of the Resident Evil 0 remake is progressing well, suggesting a release timeline that could precede Cregger’s movie.
An alternative could be a new remake of the original Resident Evil, which, despite receiving an outstanding remake in 2002, has been rumored to be getting another iteration. This potential remake might utilize a third-person over-the-shoulder camera, similar to the recent remakes of Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3. Leaker Dusk Golem has indicated that this remake could launch in 2026, aligning nicely with the release of Cregger’s adaptation.
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