Director Zach Cregger's upcoming Resident Evil adaptation has attracted mixed reactions from the fan base despite apparent critical approval. A faction of fans has criticised the film for lacking visual and narrative fidelity to the games, pointing out that the setting includes elements not present in the source material and that the overall aesthetic doesn't evoke the franchise. The film's promotional strategy appears intentionally designed to obscure its connection to Resident Evil, withholding explicit references until after the title card appears, at which point viewers learn the story takes place in Raccoon City.

Rather than recreating established game characters and plots, Cregger has opted to centre the film on what he describes as the player experience of the franchise. This creative decision explains the presence of anachronisms and the visual departure from what some viewers expect, as the director prioritises capturing the franchise's core appeal over literal adaptation. The approach reflects a deliberate reinterpretation of what makes Resident Evil compelling as source material, emphasising atmosphere and engagement over direct recreation of game narratives.