Summary
- Fans eagerly await news on Resident Evil 9 as rumors and leaks continue to circulate.
- A new live-action Resident Evil film adaptation by Zach Cregger is set to release in Fall of 2026 and may signal a new era for the franchise.
- The potential release of Resident Evil 9 alongside the film could maximize exposure and excitement for them.
It's now been two years and counting since the last major release in the series, and there's still been little official sign of what's coming next for Resident Evil. After the highly successful remake of the landmark RE4 in 2023, which recently crossed 10 million units sold, fans have been patiently awaiting developer Capcom to update them on the status of Resident Evil games in the works. The assumption is that the ninth numbered installment will be next, but without any firm information, rumors and leaks have stepped in to suggest a few other possibilities, like remakes of Code: Veronica and RE Zero.
However, fans did get some exciting news about the franchise earlier this year. Back in January, a new Resident Evil film was announced. This project will be a live-action adaptation and a cinematic reboot of the series, and is being directed and written by Zach Cregger (Barbarian) with Sony Pictures and Constantin Film producing. And given this, it might now provide the best possible release time for Resident Evil 9.
Also in January, a documentary about George A. Romero's canceled Resident Evil film premiered on streaming services.
Predicting a Resident Evil 9 Reveal Window
Resident Evil 9 still remains elusive, but by looking at Capcom's past patterns, it may be possible to narrow down a reveal window.
Resident Evil 9's Optimal Release Window Now Seems Obvious
Zach Cregger's Upcoming Resident Evil Film Adaptation Could Mark the Start of a New Era for Resident Evil
While Paul W.S. Anderson's Resident Evil films have become cult classics in the eyes of some audiences, there is also a portion who felt they often veered too far from the core characteristics and spirit of the games. Speaking more about his vision for the movie, Zach Cregger stated in an interview with Deadline that he's "a rabid fan" of the franchise, and his remarks likely bode well for fans who are hoping for a more authentic-feeling Resident Evil film.
Speculation suggests that his take on RE will mirror the games more closely, potentially exploring the Spencer Mansion and the plot of the first entry, though this has not been officially confirmed. Regardless, with Resident Evil 9 highly anticipated and the film seemingly set to stick more closely to the style and tone of the original games, it could begin a new era for the franchise, especially if both are released close together.
Resident Evil 9 Releasing Alongside the New Movie Would be the Perfect Combo
Zach Cregger's Resident Evil movie will hit theaters on September 18, 2026. On top of that, 2026 will be Resident Evil's 30th anniversary, and it is highly likely that Capcom will be looking to capitalize on this fact as much as it can. Resident Evil 9 itself will also allegedly be "more ambitious", according to a known leaker familiar with the franchise, and this could be partly why Capcom has been reluctant so far to show or say much about it until it is fully ready. Now that the film's date is set, though, it's reasonable to think that the studio could be biding its time to make the most out of the situation and generate as much hype as possible for both projects at the same time.
Though it may mean fans will have to wait a little longer for it, Capcom choosing to hold off on dropping Resident Evil 9 until near or concurrently with Cregger's upcoming film would make a lot of sense from a strategic point of view. As well as 2026 being Resident Evil's 30th birthday, this move could be the best way to maximize exposure for both and give fans a two-for-one treat in the process. In addition to pleasing those who are looking forward to both, it would offer new or younger audience members the perfect chance to jump into the seminal survival horror series at the same time.
Resident Evil 4
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 92 /100 Critics Rec: 98%
- Released
- March 24, 2023
- ESRB
- M for Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language
- Developer(s)
- Capcom
- Publisher(s)
- Capcom
- Engine
- RE Engine
- Franchise
- Resident Evil
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- Survival Horror
