Filmmaker Zach Cregger has opened up about his upcoming Resident Evil movie reboot during an appearance on The Big Picture podcast, offering fans a glimpse into his creative vision for the project. The new adaptation, which Sony Pictures plans to release on September 18, 2026, will be produced in collaboration with Constantin Film and PlayStation Productions, with Columbia Pictures serving as the distributor.
Cregger described the film as a high-energy, chaotic adventure reminiscent of Evil Dead 2, noting that it will differ from his earlier works, such as Barbarian and Weapons. He revealed that actor Austin Abrams will take on the central role, calling him the heart of the movie. According to Cregger, the story will follow a straightforward real-time journey from point A to point B, delving deeper into increasingly disturbing territory. He characterized the project as a “love letter” to the Resident Evil games, which he has played extensively.
Although he has never seen any of the previous Resident Evil films, Cregger emphasized that this story comes from a genuine creative place. “This is a story that I would have wanted to write whether I got Resident Evil the IP or not,” he said. He expressed hope that audiences will view the adaptation as more than just another franchise entry, instead recognizing it as a distinctive and engaging cinematic experience.
The film, currently untitled, is expected to begin production in the Czech Republic. While Cregger plans to return to original projects after completing Resident Evil, he considers this adaptation an original work in its own right. “My hope is that when you see Resident Evil, you’d be like, ‘No, I get it, dude. That was awesome,’” he told the podcast host.