Resident Evil’s next big-screen chapter is officially in the works with director Zach Cregger steering the franchise in a bold new direction. In a recent interview, Cregger revealed that his film tells an entirely original story set within the Resident Evil universe—and that it will not feature fan-favorite Leon S. Kennedy.
Cregger stressed that he wants to honor the games without repurposing beloved characters for a fresh plot. His aim is to craft a story that fits squarely into Resident Evil canon while preserving what fans already love about the series.
Co-written with Shay Hatten, the script reportedly centers on a hapless courier, likely played by Austin Abrams, who’s sent to deliver a mysterious package to a remote hospital. That routine drop-off spirals into a nightmare tied to the origins of the T-Virus outbreak, promising claustrophobic horror and lore-rich intrigue. Cregger teased that his obsession with original ideas can still mesh with a well-known IP—something he believes will make perfect sense once audiences see the film.
This marks the third distinct cinematic take on Capcom’s survival-horror phenomenon. The first wave spanned six films directed by Paul W.S. Anderson from 2002 to 2016, headlined by Milla Jovovich. A 2021 reboot, Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City, aimed for closer ties to the first two games but fell short of expectations, earning about $36 million against a $40 million budget.
Sony Pictures is set to release Cregger’s Resident Evil in theaters on September 18, 2026. With an original plot, a focus on the T-Virus’ terrifying roots, and a promise to respect the established canon—even without Leon S. Kennedy—this adaptation is shaping up to be a fresh, nerve-jangling entry fans will be eager to dissect.
