Entertainment · Film · 31 mins ago
Zach Cregger Says Resident Evil Comparisons Overshadowed His Reboot
Zach Cregger says comparisons with the games overshadowed his Resident Evil reboot in discussion of the film.
The movie, released in 2026, follows Bryan, a medical courier whose delivery becomes a fight for survival.
Cregger created a new story and protagonist instead of retelling a game plot or centering established characters.
Some viewers focused on the film’s lack of familiar characters, changes to the source material and treatment of the games’ lore.
That debate frustrated Cregger because he wanted to make something different, not simply meet existing fans’ expectations.
The film received positive reviews and made around $400 million worldwide, but Cregger has not ruled out returning to the franchise and has discussed ideas for more stories in its universe.
Zach Cregger said he was frustrated that discussion of his Resident Evil film focused on comparisons with the video games rather than the movie itself.
He said much of the debate concerned whether the adaptation met fans’ expectations for characters, lore and fidelity to the source material.
Cregger made the comments on The Town podcast while discussing his experience directing a film based on an established franchise.
The 2026 film introduced an original story and a new protagonist, played by Austin Abrams.
The film was released on September 18, 2026, and the sources report worldwide box office of around $400 million.
- Who
- Zach Cregger, director of the Resident Evil film.
- What
- He said he was frustrated that discussion focused on comparisons with the games instead of his movie.
- When
- He discussed it on The Town podcast; the sources were published on November 2, 2026.
- Where
- The comments were made on The Town podcast. The film is set in the world of the Resident Evil games.
- Why
- He felt debate over whether the film met existing fans’ expectations overshadowed its story as a movie.
Video game fans focused on source-material fidelity
Zach Cregger’s view Fans’ view
Characters and lore
Video game fans focused on source-material fidelity
Discussion about recognizable characters and established lore overshadowed the film itself.
Zach Cregger’s view Fans’ view
The film was criticized for not using familiar characters and for changes to the lore.
Adaptation approach
Video game fans focused on source-material fidelity
Cregger wanted to make something different with an original story.
Zach Cregger’s view Fans’ view
Some fans questioned whether the adaptation matched the games and their expectations.
Resident Evil was released in theaters.
Fans debated the film’s characters, lore and differences from the games.
Screen Rant published its report on Cregger’s comments.
IGN published its report on Cregger’s comments.
- Director
- Zach Cregger
- Film
- Resident Evil
- Release date
- September 18, 2026
- Lead actor
- Austin Abrams as Bryan
- Worldwide box office
- Around $400 million
- Podcast
- The Town with Matthew Belloni
2 sources
What people are saying
I think I was frustrated at the conversation around Resident Evil and how much of the conversation really didn't have anything to do with the movie
I'm proud of the movie. I really love the movie