Zach Cregger Explains His New Resident Evil Movie and Why He May Not Return to Comedy

Zach Cregger is taking Resident Evil in a different direction. Following the success of Barbarian and Weapons, the filmmaker has moved from original horror stories to one of gaming's most recognizable properties, but his 2026 adaptation is deliberately avoiding a direct retelling of the games.

The new Resident Evil follows Bryan, played by Austin Abrams, a medical courier whose routine delivery in Raccoon City turns into a fight for survival when a terrifying outbreak begins. Sony Pictures describes the film as an “all-new story” and confirms that Cregger co-wrote the screenplay with Shay Hatten. The movie also stars Zach Cherry, Kali Reis and Paul Walter Hauser.

Cregger discussed his approach, the absence of famous game characters and his changing relationship with comedy during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.

Why Cregger Chose an Original Resident Evil Story

Rather than adapting one specific Resident Evil game, Cregger created a new narrative within the franchise's horror world. That means longtime characters such as Leon S. Kennedy and Jill Valentine do not serve as the film's leads.

Cregger explained that bringing established characters into his story would have created unnecessary complications.

“The idea that I had just didn’t need any of them,”

he told The Hollywood Reporter, adding that including them could have distracted from the central story.

The decision is likely to divide the franchise's established fanbase, particularly because Resident Evil has a long history of recognizable characters and mythology. However, Cregger said he understands that criticism comes with working on such an established property.

“I know that when you dive into an IP you’re going to get flack,”

Cregger said. His hope is that fans who see the finished movie will recognize the ways it pays homage to the games despite its original storyline.

The approach also reflects Cregger's desire to put his own creative identity into the franchise rather than simply reproduce material audiences have already experienced. Earlier coverage from The Hollywood Reporter similarly described the movie as a fresh story inspired by the games rather than a direct adaptation.

Austin Abrams Leads the New Horror Story

Abrams, who previously worked with Cregger on Weapons, plays Bryan, a medical courier caught in the middle of the Raccoon City disaster. Sony's official synopsis describes his character as being pulled into a “non-stop” struggle for survival as the night descends into chaos.

The actor said he was initially surprised when Cregger offered him the role, believing the filmmaker might simply have wanted his feedback on the screenplay. Abrams also welcomed the decision to create a new protagonist, arguing that it gives Cregger greater freedom while maintaining the atmosphere associated with Resident Evil.

The movie's September 18 theatrical release makes it Cregger's latest major step after Barbarian and Weapons. Sony Pictures officially lists Resident Evil as a horror film directed by Cregger and written by Cregger and Shay Hatten.

Cregger Says Comedy Is Becoming Less Likely

Cregger began his career in sketch comedy, but his recent filmmaking has moved firmly toward horror. Asked whether he might eventually return to comedy, he left the door open while suggesting that it is unlikely.

“Never say never,”

Cregger said, while acknowledging that he doubts a comedy is his most likely next move. His reason is simple:

“My creative tuning fork tends to resonate with darkness.”

That comment reflects the filmmaker's increasingly recognizable style. With Resident Evil, Cregger now has the opportunity to combine that preference for darker storytelling with one of the world's best-known horror properties.

Resident Evil opens exclusively in theaters on September 18, 2026.