Summary (tl;dr)

The "Resident Evil" franchise is generating significant buzz due to a newly announced reboot film set for release in 2026, with horror director Zach Cregger at the helm and Austin Abrams cast in the lead role. A new teaser trailer and recent interviews are driving public interest in the project.

Essential Background

The "Resident Evil" franchise originates from a popular series of survival horror video games by Capcom, which centers on a deadly viral outbreak caused by the Umbrella Corporation that transforms people into zombies and other mutated creatures. The video games have spawned several live-action film adaptations over the years, including a six-film series starring Milla Jovovich and a previous reboot, "Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City" (2021), neither of which were met with widespread critical success. The decision for another reboot follows previous attempts to adapt the beloved video game series.

The Full Story

A new "Resident Evil" film is currently trending following the recent release of its teaser trailer and insights from its director, Zach Cregger, and lead actor, Austin Abrams. Scheduled for release on September 18, 2026, this upcoming movie marks the second reboot and eighth overall installment in the film series. Zach Cregger, known for his work on horror films like "Barbarian" and "Weapons," is directing and co-writing the screenplay alongside Shay Hatten. Austin Abrams, who previously collaborated with Cregger on "Weapons," will star as Bryan, a medical courier thrust into a viral outbreak while attempting to deliver vital cargo. Cregger stated that the film will present an original story, unrelated to prior films, but inspired by the early video games and set parallel to the events of "Resident Evil 2." He aims to capture the classic survival horror atmosphere, emphasizing resource management and the terror of an ordinary person facing extraordinary horrors. Filming for the movie began in October 2025 in Prague.

Why It Matters

This new "Resident Evil" film is garnering significant attention as fans and critics are keen to see if director Zach Cregger can successfully capture the essence of the beloved video game series, unlike many of its predecessors. Cregger's background in critically acclaimed horror films like "Barbarian" has raised expectations for a darker, more character-driven, and truly terrifying adaptation. The decision to feature an original story with a new protagonist, Bryan, instead of directly adapting existing game storylines or characters like Leon S. Kennedy or Chris Redfield, signals a fresh approach for the franchise, aiming to evoke the player experience of the games rather than a direct narrative retelling.

Geographic Location

• Prague, Czech Republic (main filming location)
• Raccoon City, Colorado, United States (fictional setting of the film's events)