Horror fans have been cautiously optimistic ever since Barbarian director Zach Cregger was tapped to reboot the Resident Evil film franchise — and now the filmmaker has given audiences an encouraging update on where the series could go next. In a recent interview, Cregger opened up about the possibility of making more Resident Evil movies, and his answer is sure to excite longtime fans of Capcom’s survival horror icon.
Zach Cregger Makes a Surprising Confession About Franchises
Cregger has built his reputation on original horror. After Barbarian became a breakout hit in 2022 and his follow-up Weapons earned strong buzz in 2025, he established himself as one of the most exciting voices in the genre. But throughout his career, he has never shown much interest in sequels, remakes, or big franchise filmmaking — until now.
Why Resident Evil Is the Exception
According to the interview highlighted by GameRant, Cregger admitted that committing to a franchise is something he has generally avoided, considering it outside his comfort zone as a creator. Resident Evil, however, is the exception. The director explained that his genuine love for the games and their rich universe makes this project different from any other IP he’s been offered, and he indicated he would be happy to return for another Resi film if the opportunity presents itself after the first movie arrives.
What We Know About the Resident Evil Reboot
Cregger’s Resident Evil reboot is being positioned as a back-to-basics adaptation that leans hard into horror rather than the action-heavy tone of earlier films. The movie stars Austin Abrams as Leon S. Kennedy and Paul Walter Hauser as Chief Brian Irons, and it is currently scheduled to reach theaters in September 2026 through Sony Pictures, with Constantin Film producing.
Learning From Past Big-Screen Missteps
Hollywood’s track record with the franchise is a mixed bag. The six-film series led by Milla Jovovich grossed over $1 billion worldwide but drifted far from the source material, while 2021’s Welcome to Raccoon City failed to connect with audiences or critics. Cregger’s stated commitment to scares and faithfulness — combined with his willingness to stick around for future installments — suggests the studio may finally have a plan for sustainable, game-accurate filmmaking.
Why the Director’s Commitment Matters
Having a filmmaker who actually wants to stay in a universe is rarer than it sounds. Franchise fatigue often sets in when directors treat a property as a one-and-done payday, resulting in inconsistent tone across sequels. Cregger’s enthusiasm could give this new Resident Evil film series the kind of long-term creative vision previous adaptations lacked.
The timing couldn’t be better, either. The games are thriving once more, with Capcom set to release Resident Evil Requiem in 2027, and horror is enjoying a major box office renaissance. A scary, respectful Resident Evil movie with a passionate director at the helm could ride that wave straight into a full-blown series revival.
Of course, whether sequels actually happen will depend on how the first film performs when it hits theaters — but with Cregger already signaling he’s on board for more, the future of Resident Evil on the big screen is looking brighter than it has in years. In the meantime, fans can relive the horror at home by picking up Resident Evil game codes and Steam, PlayStation, and Xbox gift cards at TURGAME.com at wallet-friendly prices.
Source: GameRant