The director of the upcoming Resident Evil movie has shared insights into his approach for the adaptation, indicating he plans to diverge from the original source material in certain aspects. He is aware this might lead to disappointment among some dedicated fans.
In an interview featured in the latest issue of SFX magazine (as reported by GamesRadar), Zach Cregger stated that his intention is not to be “completely obedient to the lore of the games.” He didn`t specify which particular changes he might make, but Cregger did reassure that he doesn`t intend to violate “any major rules” of the well-established franchise.
He also sought to reassure fans of his own connection to the series, declaring himself a “gigantic Resident Evil game fan.” Cregger added that he has played every installment in the franchise and holds a special appreciation for Resident Evil 4, a game he says he`s played countless times.
Instead of rigidly following the game`s existing lore, Cregger explained that his primary goal is to “tell a story that just feels authentic to the experience you get when you play the games.”
Despite Cregger`s evident enthusiasm for the Resident Evil franchise and his desire to create an authentic feel, he fully anticipates potential negative reactions from the community. He understands that, “No matter what I do, people are going to come for me online.”
“So all I want to do is just make a really good movie and tell a story that`s compelling. I know that I`m gonna be happy with the movie, and hopefully other people will, too,” he commented.
Cregger previously directed the successful 2022 horror film *Barbarian*, which originated from his own idea. Following that movie`s positive reception, Cregger is preparing another original film, *Weapons*, slated for an August release and starring Julia Garner and Josh Brolin. The Resident Evil project represents Cregger`s first experience adapting a major franchise based on existing intellectual property like Capcom`s.
*Barbarian* wasn`t Cregger`s initial foray into directing, however. In 2009, he co-directed the sex comedy *Miss March*, which was not well-received, alongside the late Trevor Moore, a fellow member of the Whitest Kids U` Know comedy troupe.
Regarding the Resident Evil game series itself, *Resident Evil: Requiem* is announced for a February 2026 release on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Additionally, a mobile game titled *Resident Evil Survival Unit* is reportedly under development.