RACCOON CITY — Zach Cregger directed the 2026 film Resident Evil, which opened in U.S. theaters on September 18, 2026. The movie is based on the Japanese video game series developed by Capcom and marks the eighth entry in the franchise. "What I was trying to do is make a movie that really honoured the experience of playing them," Zach Cregger said.

"If I had delivered a faithful retelling of one of the stories in the games, I feel like those people would probably be upset with me for that too," Cregger said. "Because I would have messed it up somehow, inevitably," he said.

Austin Abrams stars as Bryan Hodukavich in Resident Evil. His character is tasked with transporting a package to Raccoon City General Hospital. Johnno Wilson is part of the cast. Shay Hatten co-wrote the script with Cregger.

Bryan makes it to a secure lab on the 28th floor of Raccoon City General Hospital. While the current film is complete, the director indicated he has concepts for future installments. "I can’t help thinking about other places this story could go," he said. "I’ve got ideas."

Resident Evil is distributed by Sony Pictures. The film is not currently available on streaming platforms. It is expected to stream on Netflix around January 2027.

The original Resident Evil video game was released in 1996. The Resident Evil video game series has sold 213 million copies.

Six live-action Resident Evil movies were previously helmed by Paul W.S. Anderson. Milla Jovovich starred in the previous Paul W.S. Anderson Resident Evil films. Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City was released in 2021.

Timeline

Resident Evil opened in U.S. theaters on September 18, 2026. Resident Evil is expected to stream on Netflix around January 2027.

What's New

Zach Cregger stated he had no contact with Capcom during production. "Nobody from Capcom ever reached out to me, ever, in any way," he said. Resident Evil is the eighth film in the franchise. Johnno Wilson is part of the cast of Resident Evil.

Milla Jovovich starred in the previous Paul W.S. Anderson Resident Evil films. "I think I was expecting people to be excited to see a Resident Evil movie that felt in the spirit of the games," he said. Bryan makes it to a secure lab on the 28th floor of Raccoon City General Hospital.

How Sources Differ

Regarding the video game series, primary source plus, and Resident Evil is based on the Japanese video game series developed by Capcom. The Resident Evil video game series has sold 213 million copies.

Why It Matters

The release of the eighth film in the franchise occurs without direct input from Capcom, the developer of the source material. This approach contrasts with previous entries and tests whether honoring the spirit of the games satisfies a fanbase built on 213 million copies sold since 1996.

The film's distribution strategy involves a theatrical release followed by a streaming debut on Netflix in early 2027. Director Zach Cregger's acknowledgment of potential fan dissatisfaction shows the challenges of adapting established intellectual property while maintaining creative independence.