Director Zach Cregger has released the first trailer for his live-action adaptation of Resident Evil, giving fans an early look at a film that leans heavily into the survival-horror franchise's game lore. The reveal matters because previous attempts to bring Resident Evil to the big screen have been criticised for straying from source material, and Cregger's involvement—fresh off the acclaimed horror film Barbarian—has raised expectations that this version will treat the games' story and atmosphere with greater fidelity.

The trailer follows a medical courier named Bryan as he attempts to deliver supplies to a hospital in Raccoon City just as a zombie outbreak takes hold, with the film due in cinemas this September. Early reactions have highlighted several deliberate nods to the games, including a reference tied to Resident Evil 4, which commentators see as a sign the production is aiming to reward long-time players rather than sideline them. Critics reacting to the footage have generally been more positive about its tone and lore-handling than they were towards earlier cinematic instalments in the franchise.