Nick Apostolides, the voice behind Leon S. Kennedy in Resident Evil Requiem, has shared candid thoughts on the franchise’s next attempt at a live-action movie. After feeling disappointed by previous Resident Evil films, the actor says he’s approaching the upcoming reboot with “cautious optimism” thanks to the filmmaker now steering the project: horror director Zach Cregger.
Speaking at the BAFTA Games Awards 2026, Apostolides acknowledged what many fans have long debated: earlier live-action Resident Evil adaptations didn’t fully capture the spirit that made the games iconic. While he didn’t hide that he’s been “let down in the past,” he also made it clear that this time feels different. His confidence comes from Cregger’s recent track record in horror and the belief that the director understands what matters most—making a strong movie first, while still keeping the DNA of Resident Evil intact.
In Apostolides’ words, he trusts Cregger to deliver “a good film first and foremost,” and one that still includes key Resident Evil elements. That mix—solid filmmaking paired with the right atmosphere, tension, and franchise flavor—is exactly what many fans have been hoping for after years of uneven big-screen attempts.
Momentum is also on Resident Evil’s side right now. Resident Evil Requiem has reportedly become a major blockbuster success, selling 6 million copies worldwide and topping sales charts. With the franchise thriving in its natural home—video games—the timing for a more faithful, well-crafted film adaptation couldn’t be better.
Early details about the reboot suggest it won’t simply rehash familiar plots. A first look at in-progress footage shown at CinemaCon reportedly features Austin Abrams as Bryan, a medical courier trying to survive a deadly outbreak in Raccoon City as T-virus-infected zombies close in. The approach is said to be more grounded and standalone, aiming to tell an original story while still following the classic Resident Evil formula of survival horror, escalating danger, and a world unraveling at terrifying speed.
Cregger’s background may be a major reason expectations are rising. He’s coming off widely discussed horror successes like Barbarian and Weapons, and he’s also described as having a genuine love for video games—an important detail for a franchise where fans can quickly tell when filmmakers “get it” versus when they’re simply borrowing a recognizable name.
With Requiem’s popularity putting Resident Evil back in the spotlight, Apostolides’ comments capture the mood many fans share: skeptical because of the past, but intrigued by the direction, the tone, and the potential for a Resident Evil movie that finally feels true to the games—simple, scary, and unmistakably Resident Evil.
