Zach Cregger, fresh off the Oscar-winning "Weapons" and the breakout hit "Barbarian," is set to release his take on "Resident Evil," a survival-horror adaptation following a medical courier (played by "Weapons" star Austin Abrams) who runs into the aftermath of the Umbrella Corporation's T-virus outbreak on a snowy night. The film, due in cinemas on 18 September, is tracking for what could be a franchise-record domestic opening, and early screenings suggest it may be Cregger's strongest work yet, built as a lean, relentless 95-minute thrill ride.

In a wide-ranging interview with Deadline, Cregger explains that the project began almost by chance while he was filming "Barbarian" in Bulgaria, when producer Roy Lee asked if there was a video game franchise he'd want to adapt; he immediately said "Resident Evil." After "Barbarian" became a hit, he pitched a stripped-down, gritty, horror-first concept centred on a medical courier, which was quickly approved, allowing him to write the script rapidly with collaborator Shay Hatten. The conversation also touches on his desire to work with Steven Spielberg, his upcoming projects "The Flood" and a "Weapons" prequel called "Gladys," the dark comedy "Little One," and his comments on "Obsession"/"Backrooms" fan enthusiasm, plus his stance that he won't be taking on further franchise films.