Resident Evil (2026): The Franchise that Refuses to Die

*Minor spoiler warning for Resident Evil (2026). Feature image via IMDb*

You wouldn’t be alone in having low expectations for the most recent addition to the Resident Evil cinematic universe. Director Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil (2026) is the third attempt in five years at a live-action reboot, after the poorly received Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City (2021) and Netflix’s cancelled 2022 series.

Prior to release, fans were so vocal about their distrust of Cregger’s vision for the movie that he felt like he was “running for office” on an “apology tour”. Although Cregger has proven his horror credentials with the critically acclaimed Barbarian and Weapons, his decision to focus on an original story within the Resident Evil world had fans divided.

“I am not trying to adapt a video game. I’m not going to be able to do it better than the games… What I’m trying to do is make a Resident Evil movie that really is a love letter to the experience of playing a Resident Evil game.” – Director Zach Cregger speaking to IGN.

To understand why there was such a passionate fan response, it is important to recognise the sheer size of the Resident Evil world. The first console game, released in 1996, follows a special ops team as they investigate a series of murders, eventually encountering the mutant zombies the horror franchise is now famous for. Since the first instalment, the Resident Evil universe has grown exponentially to encompass dozens of games, movies, television series, novels, comics, spin-offs and even a Japanese stage play. With such a large base of fans, each wanting to see their favourite character or storyline depicted on screen, it was unlikely any movie announcement was going to satisfy everyone.

Against all odds however, Cregger’s gamble of recreating the feeling of playing a Resident Evil game rather than producing a straightforward adaptation, appears to have paid off for fans and critics alike. Not only is the movie good by Resident Evil standards, but it is also the best reviewed horror movie of 2026 so far and is being lauded as “one of the most accurate and interesting video game films ever made”.   

The film follows medical courier Bryan (played by Austin Abrams) who is tasked with making an urgent delivery to Raccoon City. After hitting an infected woman with his car on an isolated road,  he finds himself stranded and his night quickly spirals out of control. With no training or any of the skills typical of a Resident Evil protagonist, he is forced to navigate increasingly nightmarish environments and mutated creatures to deliver his precious cargo and attempt to make it home alive.

Throughout the movie Bryan encounters scenarios and challenges familiar to gamers such as finding weapons, conserving ammo, and dealing with an inordinate number of padlocks. Watching Bryan fumble and swear his way through the worst night of his life feels like sneaking behind the scenes to watch a background character (or in gaming terms an NPC) who is leaving a mess behind for the ‘proper’ main character to discover later. Although the numerous gaming easter eggs make for a rich viewing experience for existing fans, the film also stands on its own as a surprisingly funny, fast-paced horror-survival gorefest for those with no prior Resident Evil knowledge.   

As integral to the success of the film as Cregger’s masterful adaptation is Austin Abrams’ performance. It is not overstating to claim that Abrams carries the movie. Bryan is in nearly every scene and is often the only human on screen.

Due to Bryan’s inexperience, he makes questionable decisions that in less skilled hands would have the potential to frustrate the audience to the point of alienation. Abrams imbues the character with such a likable naivete that this line is never crossed however. His fumbles feel believable and his impeccable comedic timing stops the humour from veering into cringe territory. You can’t help but root for Abrams’ sympathetic Bryan as he realistically portrays a nice, normal guy dropped into hell.

Although not a perfect film – the last act feels a little rushed and the polarising ending quite abrupt – Resident Evil (2026) is a must-watch for fans of the franchise, gamers, horror buffs and anyone looking for 90 minutes of gory, funny, jump-scare-filled entertainment. While it seems unlikely that Cregger will helm any potential sequels, by avoiding the pitfalls that have plagued many other game adaptations, he has set a solid foundation for the next chapter of the Resident Evil cinematic universe. Suffice to say, like the T-Virus infected monsters the Umbrella Corporation unleashed upon Raccoon City, it is a franchise that just won’t die!