When it was introduced that Weapons and Barbarian director Zach Cregger is making a Resident Evil film, I used to be each psyched and likewise just a little anxious. Cregger is quick constructing a really particular model of unconventional horror that blends darkish comedy with non-linear storytelling, which is nice for authentic horror films, however I used to be and am involved it’d conflict considerably with the tone and elegance of the Resident Evil IP.
Is Cregger reining it in and conforming to a distinct vibe for Resident Evil? Or as a substitute, is he absolutely doubling down on his distinctive filmmaking method and simply letting the Resident Evil world be his playground? Effectively, in an interview with EW, it undoubtedly appears extra just like the latter.
“It is a completely authentic story,” Cregger revealed. “While you watch it, you will be like, ‘That is very Zach.’ It is simply [that] it takes place within the Resident Evil world. I do not suppose followers of the video games are gonna be bummed.”
Cregger is being deliberately obscure, naturally. He cannot say a lot in regards to the precise substance of the film simply but, however he did strongly counsel it will not characteristic fan-favorite characters like Leon Kennedy, which is not new.
“I am not gonna steal Leon and put him in an authentic story. I feel that might be presumptuous,” Cregger mentioned. “However I respect the video games sufficient the place I am gonna like inform a Resident Evil story within the Resident Evil canon that also leaves the whole lot they love intact from the video games, you already know what I imply?”
I form of know what he means, I feel. I might file Leon Kennedy and different beloved Resident Evil characters beneath issues individuals love from the video games, so their obvious absence from the challenge would seemingly contradict at the very least a small a part of what Cregger is saying right here.
That is not a criticism, by the best way. I have been vocal about my opinion that the sequence wants to maneuver on from sequence mainstays like Leon Kennedy; I am simply considering out loud, actually.
“I feel that while you see it, you will perceive how I could be obsessive about authentic concepts and nonetheless make a film that’s an IP-based factor,” mentioned Cregger. “I do know that does not make numerous sense now, however I hope that it’s going to later.”
What all of it boils all the way down to for me is: Can a horror film that is “very” Zach Cregger – even a terrific one in and of itself – even be a terrific Resident Evil film? Solely time will inform.
Within the meantime, it is spooky season! Flip off the lights, mild a pumpkin-scented candle, and decide one thing from our checklist of the finest horror films to look at proper now.
