The world of survival horror is preparing for a fresh jolt as Sony Pictures and director Zach Cregger gear up for a bold new reboot of the iconic Resident Evil franchise. With filming set to kick off in Prague later this month and a theatrical release slated for September 18, 2026, the project has already generated considerable buzz—not just for its creative ambitions, but also for its intriguing cast and production pedigree.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Emmy-nominated actors Zach Cherry (Severance) and Kali Reis (True Detective: Night Country) have officially joined the film, alongside Johnno Wilson (Twisted Metal) and previously announced lead Austin Abrams (Wolfs). Paul Walter Hauser, known for his recent turn as Mole Man in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, rounds out a cast that’s drawing attention from both genre fans and industry insiders alike.
This new cinematic incarnation of Resident Evil comes from the mind of Zach Cregger, whose recent horror hit Weapons grossed an impressive $265 million and cemented his reputation as a filmmaker capable of blending suspense, dark humor, and unexpected twists. Cregger is not just directing—he’s also co-written the script with Shay Hatten, the scribe behind John Wick: Chapter 3 & 4. Their collaboration signals a fresh creative direction for the franchise, one that promises both reverence for the source material and a willingness to chart new territory.
But what exactly sets this reboot apart from previous film adaptations of the beloved Capcom video game series? For starters, as reported by Devdiscourse and Flickering Myth, the new movie is described as a "love letter" to the original 1996 Resident Evil game, while introducing a completely new set of characters. Gone are the familiar faces of Jill Valentine, Chris Redfield, and Albert Wesker; in their place, audiences will meet a fresh ensemble navigating the franchise’s trademark blend of corporate conspiracy, mutated creatures, and desperate survival.
Plot details remain tightly under wraps, a tactic that has served Cregger’s previous projects well. However, several key themes and keywords have been teased by industry outlets: “hapless courier,” “mysterious package,” “mutated creatures,” and “corporate conspiracy.” If that doesn’t sound like classic Resident Evil, what does? According to CBR, Cregger himself has said, “It’s an entirely original story. When you watch it, you’ll be like, ‘This is very Zach.’ It’s just (that) it takes place in the Resident Evil world.” He added, “I know the world of Resident Evil so well, just from spending so much time in the games. So, I just had a story that, when I had the idea, I kind of knew the beginning, middle, and end, like, right away. So it wasn’t much of an exploratory like, you know, leave it to the universe. It was like, I kind of know where this is headed. Let’s just begin.”
The cast, too, is shaping up to be one of the reboot’s biggest draws. Zach Cherry, who earned an Emmy nomination for his role as Dylan in Apple TV+’s Severance, is set to play a scientist at a hospital—specifically, a Raccoon City hospital, according to Flickering Myth. Kali Reis, who made waves as Evangeline Navarro in True Detective: Night Country and garnered her own Emmy nod, will tackle the role of an ex-military officer. Notably, this part was originally written for a male actor, a casting decision that has sparked comparisons to the trailblazing Ellen Ripley of Alien fame. Johnno Wilson’s character remains a mystery for now, with details tightly guarded by the production team.
Behind the scenes, the film boasts an impressive roster of producers. As reported by Devdiscourse, the project is being shepherded by Robert Kulzer of Constantin, Roy Lee and Miri Yoon of Vertigo Entertainment, Asad Qizilbash and Carter Swan of PlayStation Productions, and Nicole Brown of Tristar Pictures. This collaborative lineup underscores Sony’s commitment to delivering a high-quality adaptation that honors the legacy of the games while pushing the franchise into new cinematic territory.
For longtime fans, the promise of a film that stays faithful to the original Capcom game while offering a new story is a tantalizing prospect. Previous Resident Evil movies have often taken liberties with the source material, sometimes to the frustration of purists. This time, Cregger and Hatten’s script aims to capture the claustrophobic dread, corporate intrigue, and grotesque monsters that made the games a phenomenon, all while introducing audiences to a new cast of characters with their own secrets and motivations.
Production is set to begin in mid-October 2025 in Prague, a city known for its atmospheric architecture and cinematic versatility. The choice of location is fitting for a story steeped in gothic horror and corporate malfeasance. Sony Pictures, which has set the global release date for September 18, 2026, is betting big on the project’s potential to reinvigorate the franchise on the big screen.
Industry watchers have noted that Cregger’s involvement has boosted confidence in the reboot’s prospects. As Paste Magazine observed, initial skepticism about yet another adaptation of the "undead-battling" games has given way to genuine excitement, thanks in large part to Cregger’s track record with Barbarian and Weapons. The casting of rising stars like Cherry and Reis, both fresh off acclaimed television performances, only adds to the anticipation.
Of course, with so many details still under wraps, speculation is running wild among fans. Will the “hapless courier” stumble upon a package that unleashes a new viral outbreak? What corporate secrets are lurking beneath the surface, and how will the new characters navigate the mutated horrors of Raccoon City (or a similarly doomed locale)? For now, audiences will have to wait—and perhaps piece together their own theories from the tantalizing clues provided.
One thing’s for sure: with Zach Cregger at the helm, a talented and diverse cast, and a creative team committed to honoring the spirit of the original game, the next chapter of Resident Evil on the big screen is shaping up to be anything but predictable. Mark your calendars for September 18, 2026, and get ready to return to the world where every shadow might hide a monster and every secret could spell doom—or salvation.
