Zach Cregger Talks New Resident Evil Movie Approach

The director of the new Resident Evil movie, Zach Cregger, has opened up about his creative decisions.

Instead of a direct adaptation, Cregger is taking inspiration from the Resident Evil video games to create a new story set in the franchise's world. For related coverage, explore our detailed analysis on Technology and Digital Systems.

Key Analysis and Detailed Timeline

Cregger explained that he draws from the gaming experience, incorporating elements like environmental changes and weapon progression into the movie.

'I happen to worship these Resident Evil games and pull a lot of inspiration from the experience of playing them,' Cregger stated in a new featurette. 'I tried to keep the environment changing every seven or eight minutes, like the games. You're always moving into another level as it were.'

Cregger also mentioned that he includes healing spray cans, typewriters, and herbs in the movie, adding a touch of realism to the post-apocalyptic world.

Broader Impact and Sector Outlook

'There's a lot of items from the games, he's constantly coming up against these padlocks that are stopping him from progressing,' Cregger added. 'This is an opportunity for me to be loyal to the games in spirit and in tone and build a story that puts you in that scenario again and again, with increasing stakes.'

The horror movie, starring Austin Abrams, will open on September 18, 2026.

Read More: Uncharted: Drake's Fortune "is rough around the edges, ex-Naughty Dog designer says, and "went through a whole lot of hell during development

For more scares, check out our guide to upcoming horror movies as well as a breakdown of all the new video game adaptations on the way in 2026 and beyond.

I previously worked as a Senior Showbiz Reporter and SEO TV reporter at Express Online for three years.

I've also written for The Resident magazines and Amateur Photographer, before specializing in entertainment.

Zach Cregger has opened up about his approach to adapting Resident Evil in his new movie. Instead of a direct adaptation, the Weapons director is telling a new story set in the world of the franchise.

"I happen to worship these Resident Evil games and pull a lot of inspiration from the experience of playing them," he stated in a new featurette , before listing some of the references he included. "I tried to keep the environment changing every seven or eight minutes, like the games.

You're always moving into another level as it were." Cregger went on to explain that he includes weapon progression in the movie, from pistol to machine gun, as well as including healing spray cans, typewriters, and herbs. He's even included a particularly niche frustration, which fans of the franchise will know all too well.

"There's a lot of items from the games, he's constantly coming up against these padlocks that are stopping him from progressing," he added.