Horror enthusiasts, prepare to explore one of the greatest “what if” stories in cinematic history. On January 7, 2025, Uncork’d Entertainment will release George A. Romero’s Resident Evil, an investigative documentary directed by Brandon Salisbury. The film promises to shed light on an unmade adaptation of the legendary survival horror video game, Resident Evil.
Back in 1998, Constantin Film embarked on a bold endeavor to bring the iconic horror video game to the big screen, turning to the master of horror filmmaking, George A. Romero. Known for revolutionizing the zombie genre with classics like Night of the Living Dead, Romero seemed the perfect choice to helm this adaptation. Yet, much to the dismay of fans, Romero’s vision for Resident Evil never became reality, leaving behind countless speculations about what could have been.
Director Brandon Salisbury dives deep behind the scenes of Romero’s unproduced project, using his cinematic lens to craft this documentary narrative. Drawing inspiration from acclaimed documentaries like Jodorowsky’s Dune, Salisbury compiles archival footage, previously uncovered documents, and new interviews with industry insiders, offering fans unprecedented insight.
“George Romero gave birth to modern horror, the modern zombie, and,ultimately, Resident Evil,” says Salisbury, who expresses deep reverence for the man whose vision ignited his own passion for filmmaking. “I am honored to bring fans the untold story of his most important unmade project, to celebrate the legacy of the man who inspired me to pursue filmmaking as a career.”
The documentary goes beyond merely tracing the timeline of events; it serves as both a tribute to Romero’s indelible impact on the horror genre and to the unquenched thirst for creative storytelling. Keith Leopard, President of Uncork’d Entertainment, adds depth to this sentiment, stating, “Uncork’d is honored to bring George A. Romero’s Resident Evil to fans who have long awaited the untold story behind this legendary, unmade project. This documentary pays homage to Romero’s incredible vision and the power of storytelling.”
With George A. Romero’s Resident Evil, audiences will experience not just the retrospective of what could have been, but also the exploration of ambition and creativity showing what resonates within horror culture. High anticipation surrounds this deep dissection of Romero's unrealized adaptation, as it offers glimpses of the artistic spirit buried within the filmmaking process.
Beyond exploring the nuts and bolts of production challenges and unmet expectations, the documentary will also feature candid interviews with those intimately familiar with Romero’s work and the horror industry at large. This immersive experience invites viewers to understand the dreams, passions, and motivations behind these creative pursuits—a narrative crafted with care under the direction of Salisbury.
For horror fans who have mourned the loss of potential adaptations throughout cinematic history, this documentary not only serves as closure but also ignites curiosity about Romero’s visionary approach to storytelling. It promises to cater to both seasoned followers of his work and newcomers eager to learn about the genre's evolution through Romero’s eyes.
“I hope fans enjoy this ultimate experience in survival horror,” Salisbury adds, stoking excitement as the release date approaches, set for January 7, 2025, across digital platforms and on demand.
Anticipation builds as the world readies to experience George A. Romero’s Resident Evil, where storytelling and imagination collide, leaving viewers to ponder what may have been—an emotional tribute and exploration of one of horror's great legends.