Even before its release, Resident Evil: Requiem has already ignited a firestorm of discussion within the gaming community. Capcom has repeatedly emphasized the game's focus on new character Grace Ashcroft, leaving fans to wonder: will series icon Leon S. Kennedy make an appearance, or will he be conspicuously absent? 
Some fans, taking Capcom's statements at face value, are convinced Leon won't be showing up at all.
However, renowned leaker Dusk Golem has a completely different take. He claims that the content Capcom has shown so far is merely "an early snippet of a much larger game," akin to the opening mansion sequence in Resident Evil Village. Therefore, "it's not hard to hide Leon."
According to Dusk Golem, Leon isn't just a significant character in "Requiem"; players will control him for extended periods, and he'll play a pivotal role in the storyline. He stresses that it's simply a matter of marketing timing, and Capcom will undoubtedly reveal his involvement in due course.
The gameplay footage released so far is set in 2018, following Grace and her sister Alyssa as they encounter a mysterious hooded figure in a hotel. The main game, however, fast-forwards to 2028. By then, Leon would be nearing 50, no longer the agile elite agent fans remember.
Rumors suggest that "Requiem" could be his swansong, whether it's an exit or a retirement, signaling a passing of the torch to new protagonist Grace. 
Meanwhile, another theory is circulating within the community: that the hooded figure in the trailer is actually an older Leon. Given his past infection with the Las Plagas parasite, a change in appearance seems plausible.
However, Dusk Golem has debunked this theory, revealing that the character is, in fact, an entirely new individual with ties to the series' history, but not a previously introduced character, nor is it Brandon Bailey as some fans speculated.
As the release date draws closer, "Requiem" is poised to not only unveil Grace's story but potentially bring Leon's adventures to a close. All these answers will be revealed when the game officially launches on February 27, 2026.