Resident Evil director Zach Cregger has addressed criticism over his upcoming film's snowy setting and modern-day touches like iPhones, which depart from the source material's late-1990s, rainy Raccoon City setting. Speaking at San Diego Comic-Con 2026 following the release of a new trailer, Cregger explained that he deliberately "took liberties" with the games' lore because he believes the changes serve the story and visuals better, rather than attempting a strict adaptation.

Cregger stressed he is not trying to replicate the games' characters or plot beat-for-beat, arguing that Leon, Claire and the other games' cast are already perfectly realised in that medium and any live-action version would likely fall short. Instead, he wants his film to capture the feel of playing a Resident Evil game, retaining essential elements such as the T-Virus, Umbrella Corporation and Raccoon City, while structuring the story around a single character moving between distinct, threat-filled locations, much like the games' level design.