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Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil is ‘definitely [his] most violent’ movie—and that’s quite a claim coming from him
Director Zach Cregger, known for horror films Barbarian and Weapons, has described his upcoming Resident Evil film as "definitely the most violent" thing he has made. Speaking to Empire magazine, Cregger said he wanted to push the film's brutality to the limit, prioritising sustained tension and action over expanding on the franchise's established lore. This matters to fans as it signals a bold, blood-soaked take on the popular video game series that departs from deep world-building in favour of relentless, visceral storytelling.
The film tells an original story set within the Resident Evil universe, rather than following existing characters such as Ada or Leon, and centres on a single protagonist fighting monsters on foot. Cregger said the action ramps up roughly eight minutes in and does not let up, citing Resident Evil 2 as a key inspiration for its combat-heavy approach. Given his history with intensely graphic scenes in Barbarian and Weapons, expectations for the film's violence are high; it is set for worldwide theatrical release on 18 September.
In short
- Cregger calls his Resident Evil film his most violent work yet
- Original story, not following Ada or Leon, prioritises action over lore
- Film releases in cinemas worldwide on 18 September
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A more violent, action-led film could capture the relentless danger and survival-horror feel that many players associate with Resident Evil 2. An original protagonist and lighter focus on lore may also give the director room to tell a focused story while still working within the series’ universe.
The case against
Resident Evil’s established characters and world-building are central to the appeal for many fans, so a story that sidelines them may feel disconnected from the series they value. Pushing violence and action to the fore could also crowd out suspense, atmosphere and character development, making the film less effective as horror.
Explained simply
Zach Cregger is a film director whose horror films, including Barbarian and Weapons, are known for their graphic violence and intensity. His work has built a strong reputation for pushing the limits of on-screen brutality.
Resident Evil is a video game franchise that has been adapted into several films over the decades. Cregger is directing a new film set within the Resident Evil universe telling an original story with a new protagonist, with particular focus on action and combat sequences.
The approach Cregger is taking differs from typical franchise adaptations by prioritising unrelenting action over exploring the Resident Evil mythology. Given his history of creating visceral, violent horror, the film is expected to be intense and brutal. The film is scheduled for theatrical release on 18 September.
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