The upcoming live-action "Resident Evil" film, slated for a 2026 release, is generating significant buzz. Director Zach Cregger recently confessed in an interview that he has never watched any of the previous "Resident Evil" movies, adding that fans of the older film adaptations might "not be ready" for his take. 
Cregger, who gained acclaim for his 2022 horror hit "Barbarian" and this year's critically and commercially successful "Weapons," shared his vision during an appearance on the YouTube channel Double Toasted. He stated that the new "Resident Evil" will be fiercely loyal to the game experience, guiding audiences through a descent into deeper horror, much like players navigate the game's protagonists from the outset.
"I've played thousands and thousands of hours of 'Resident Evil,' I know the rhythm of it so well, and the design of it is inherently cinematic," Cregger remarked.
He further elaborated that this project marks his largest film to date. While an adaptation of an existing IP, Cregger emphasized that it remains "original" due to the infusion of his distinct tone and style. 
Cregger acknowledged his unfamiliarity with the films directed by Paul W. S. Anderson or the 2021 reboot "Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City." Consequently, he admitted his version might not fully satisfy existing film fans, though he believes video game players will be more receptive.
He explained that the new film will align more closely with the game's overarching world, with a tonal similarity to "Resident Evil 4" and a narrative closer to "Resident Evil 2" and "Resident Evil 3." 
"The game series itself is very flexible, from Raccoon City to Spain, even to ancient European villages, each installment has a different atmosphere. My approach this time is no more outlandish than the games themselves; it simply continues that flexibility."
The new "Resident Evil" is set to commence principal photography in Prague in mid-October 2025, with filming expected to conclude by January of the following year. Distributed by Sony Pictures, the film is scheduled for release on September 18, 2026.