The "Resident Evil" franchise is gearing up for a brand-new film adaptation, and as news of the project emerges, Nick Apostolides, the long-time voice actor for game character Leon S. Kennedy, has shared his perspective. Despite the generally poor reception of many past film adaptations, Apostolides remains cautiously optimistic about the upcoming movie.
In an interview, Apostolides admitted he had been disappointed by previous "Resident Evil" films but holds expectations for the new installment directed by Zach Cregger. He expressed admiration for Cregger's past work and believes the director will prioritize crafting an excellent film while also honoring the game's core elements.
Zach Cregger, who directed "Barbarian," garnered significant attention for his unique horror narrative style. He has also publicly stated he is a fan of the series, even completing multiple playthroughs of a recent "Resident Evil" game shortly after its release. This background has fueled expectations that he will faithfully capture the game's spirit.
During CinemaCon, Cregger emphasized that the new film would be "faithful to the source material," while producer Roy Lee described the movie as a "non-stop action" thrill ride. These statements stand in stark contrast to the previous film series spearheaded by Paul W. S. Anderson, which, despite its commercial success, was widely criticized for straying from the original games.
Furthermore, 2021's "Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City" also failed to win over critics and audiences, leaving fans with little confidence in adaptations. However, with a new team taking over and a shift in creative direction, there's a general sentiment that the franchise has an opportunity for a fresh start.
Meanwhile, the "Resident Evil" game franchise has seen strong performance in the market, with rapidly climbing sales figures, demonstrating the brand's enduring appeal. Developer Capcom continues to release new titles, keeping the series' momentum alive.
The new "Resident Evil" film will star Austin Abrams and is slated for release on September 18, 2026.
via： Gamesradar+