Resident Evil Film Series Set for Fresh Reboot by 'Barbarian' Director

The beloved survival horror franchise Resident Evil is poised for another cinematic resurrection, this time under the creative vision of rising horror director Zach Cregger. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Cregger, known for his critically acclaimed horror film "Barbarian" and his work with comedy troupe The Whitest Kids You Know, is developing a fresh take on Capcom's iconic video game series.

Studio Bidding War Underway

The project has sparked significant interest within Hollywood, with four major studios, including Netflix and Warner Bros., currently engaged in a competitive bidding war for distribution rights. Cregger is set to both write and direct this new adaptation, bringing his unique horror sensibilities to the long-running franchise.

Cregger's Horror Credentials

Zach Cregger established himself as a formidable voice in modern horror with his 2022 film "Barbarian," which told the unnerving story of a woman who discovers terrifying secrets within her rental accommodation. The director has already completed work on his next project, "Weapons," demonstrating his continued momentum in the genre.

Resident Evil's Screen History

This upcoming project marks the second major reboot for the Resident Evil franchise on screen. The series previously spawned six films directed by Paul W.S. Anderson and starring Milla Jovovich, which, despite taking creative liberties with the source material, achieved remarkable commercial success, generating $1.2 billion in worldwide box office revenue.

The most recent attempt to reboot the series came in 2021 with Johannes Roberts' "Welcome to Raccoon City." While this adaptation aimed for greater fidelity to the video games, it struggled to capture the essence that made Capcom's original series so compelling.