With a global box office collection of $1.2 billion, the "Resident Evil" franchise is set to be rebooted yet again by Constantin Films. This time, it aims to return to its horror roots with a new director, Zach Cregger, who has previously worked on the acclaimed horror film "Barbarian." The reboot already has a release date set for September 26, 2026, and Austin Abrams is in talks to lead the series.

The original video game centers around Special Tactics and Rescue Service (STARS) investigating an outbreak in Racoon City that turns humans into zombies. Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine uncover a sinister plot involving virus creation by the Umbrella Corporation. Unlike previous films starring Milla Jovovich as Alice, this reboot may stay closer to the games' storyline, potentially featuring characters like Chris Redfield or Leon Kennedy.

Promising Start for the Resident Evil Reboot

This latest reboot of the "Resident Evil" franchise brings renewed hope among fans. Directed by Zach Cregger, known for his work on the horror genre, the movie promises to recapture the essence of Capcom's original game. With Austin Abrams in negotiations to take the lead role, the film could feature either Chris Redfield or Leon Kennedy, two iconic characters from the game series.

The decision to reboot "Resident Evil" stems from its immense success at the box office, totaling $1.2 billion globally. Fans have long expressed dissatisfaction with the previous adaptations, particularly their deviation from the game's storyline. This new attempt intends to rectify past shortcomings by returning to the horror roots established in the original games. The involvement of Zach Cregger, whose experience in horror films aligns well with the franchise's core theme, adds credibility to the project. Moreover, casting discussions point towards selecting a protagonist closely tied to the game's narrative, enhancing authenticity. The quick setting of a release date indicates strong commitment and planning behind this endeavor, raising expectations for a more faithful adaptation.

Reimagining the Classic Storyline

In contrast to earlier films, this reboot focuses on delivering a storyline truer to the original video games. The premise revolves around STARS investigating an outbreak in Racoon City, leading to discoveries about the Umbrella Corporation's dark experiments. Characters such as Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine play pivotal roles in uncovering these secrets.

The original "Resident Evil" video games presented a chilling narrative where STARS investigates reports of cannibalistic murders in Racoon City. Upon reaching a mysterious mansion, they encounter horrifying creatures and unravel a conspiracy involving the Umbrella Corporation creating deadly viruses. Previous film adaptations strayed significantly from this storyline, introducing original characters like Alice played by Milla Jovovich, which alienated some fans. This upcoming reboot aims to address those concerns by adhering closely to the source material. By incorporating key characters and themes directly from the games, it seeks to provide an experience that resonates better with longtime fans while also attracting newcomers. Such efforts could result in a cinematic portrayal that captures the essence of the beloved gaming franchise, bridging gaps left open by prior attempts.