Resident Evil: Sony Reportedly in Talks for New Movie Adaptation

Despite its lengthy history marked by mixed reviews, the Resident Evil film franchise shows no signs of slowing down. Recent reports suggest that Sony is considering a new movie adaptation of the popular Capcom video game series, reigniting excitement among fans.

While the Resident Evil films may not have garnered critical acclaim, they have found a dedicated fanbase, particularly the early installments helmed by Paul W.S. Anderson. The original movie remains a standout, but each entry has its unique appeal. Though Anderson's cinematic universe has concluded, the Resident Evil franchise continues to evolve. The 2021 reboot, Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City, directed by Johannes Roberts, attempted to merge elements from the first two games into a single narrative but received mixed reviews. Despite a mid-credits scene hinting at a sequel, new reports reveal that the franchise is eyeing a fresh direction with one of the hottest horror directors currently in the industry.

According to a recent update from The InSneider, director Zach Cregger, acclaimed for his work on the horror film Barbarian, is reportedly in talks with Sony to direct a new Resident Evil movie. This project would mark the franchise's first live-action installment since 2021’s Welcome to Raccoon City, which served as a reboot following 2017’s Resident Evil: The Final Chapter. Although there have been earlier speculations about a new entry in the series, this is the first substantial news since then. While plans are still tentative, the report reveals that Cregger was initially considered for a new adaptation of the classic game Clue but has since stepped away from that project. Instead, discussions regarding the Resident Evil franchise have surfaced as a promising opportunity as Cregger’s career continues gaining momentum.

There’s still uncertainty surrounding whether this new Resident Evil film will be a reboot or a direct continuation of the previous installment. However, Cregger would undoubtedly be a solid addition to the Resident Evil franchise as he has demonstrated his talent for crafting horror while seamlessly incorporating comedic elements. His 2022 horror film Barbarian was a surprising success, thanks to its gripping mystery, unexpected plot twists, and the eerie buildup to a grotesque creature with a compelling backstory — all elements that are iconic in the Resident Evil universe. Cregger’s success with Barbarian catapulted him into the spotlight, leading to a deal with Warner Bros. And New Line for a new movie titled Weapons. Nonetheless, this agreement doesn’t limit his opportunities elsewhere, with Sony showing keen interest in collaborating with him. However, any potential Resident Evil film would likely be on hold until Cregger finishes Weapons. This timeline may allow audiences to recover from the mixed reception of Welcome to Raccoon City, which could ultimately work in the film's favor.

Since its inception in 1996, Resident Evil has evolved into one of the most cherished horror franchises in gaming. Yet, despite its popularity, the seven movie adaptations have struggled to accurately capture the essence of the games while delivering genuine scares, often leaning more towards action than horror. With the first six sharing a single continuity, the seventh, Welcome to Raccoon City, took a more faithful approach to the source material, but its reception was mixed. There were indications that a sequel was in the works, with reports in 2023 suggesting that Raccoon HG Film Productions had received $2 million in funding for a project titled Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles. However, Sony has yet to confirm this, leaving its connection to a potential Resident Evil project from director Cregger uncertain. A Resident Evil film featuring the director of Barbarian could signal a promising shift, but we’ll have to wait to see if these rumors materialize.

Source: The InSneider