A Fresh Take On The Franchise

The new Resident Evil movie by Zach Cregger could be the best film in the franchise. The Resident Evil franchise hasn’t had the best luck with movie adaptations. The first main series, by Paul W.S. Anderson, was maligned by fans for being way off course from what the games are, and Welcome to Raccoon City failed to reignite interest.

Now, the upcoming film from Weapons director Zach Cregger is drawing mixed reception. Fans are wary because he stated his film will be an original story set in the Resident Evil universe, rather than a direct adaptation. With no trailer yet, it’s hard to gauge how it could turn out, but Cregger’s film actually has a lot going for it.

An Original Story Gives Zach Cregger Room To Flex His Talents

Zach Cregger currently only has two films under his belt as a solo director. Each has seen huge success for horror fans for various reasons, but the biggest is that they’re both original. Barbarian showed just how horrifying claustrophobia can be, as it took audiences through an endless maze of tunnels with a horrific monster on the loose.

Meanwhile, Weapons captivated people, including Stephen King, with its unique premise that developed enough intrigue to make it a box office success. These two films show that Cregger benefits from not being restricted in his writing. His mind is wildly creative, and the announcement of Resident Evil going the original route is a huge point in its favor.

There’s no telling how Cregger will tie in familiar elements like the Umbrella Corporation and Raccoon City to his unique story. However, given how well he constructed his previous two films, there’s no denying he’ll have something interesting for new and old fans alike.

Zach Cregger’s Humorous Horror Style Is Perfect For Resident Evil

Something that sticks out in Cregger’s work is how well he’s able to blend humor and horror. The ending of Weapons, in particular, has become famous for being a hilarious moment of catharsis after nearly two hours of tension. This is a strength that will ultimately benefit his adaptation.

While the zombies and horror elements of the Resident Evil franchise are universally well-known, the series is also remarkably funny. From the goofy dialogue to the wacky designs of some of its most powerful monsters, there’s always a strain of humor. It’s not a full-fledged comedy, but the amount of jokes thrown around solidifies it as a campy horror series.

This is something that Cregger excels at in his directing style. With him at the helm, there’s no doubt that his film will match the tone of the games in the best way. Campiness is a huge part of Resident Evil, and Cregger’s involvement will guarantee it feels like the games.

Zach Cregger Is A Huge Resident Evil Fan

The best reason to have a positive outlook on the upcoming Resident Evil is Zach Cregger’s ties to the franchise itself. Cregger has said in the past that he has a great relationship with the games, playing them for decades.

While it’s understandable that fans would want to see the same stories from the games on the big screen, Cregger’s view on a Resident Evil movie is noble. He wants to give fans something they haven’t seen before while being faithful to the series’ spirit. With the film expected in September, everything surrounding it right now is purely speculation.

However, with Zach Cregger at the helm, the movie’s in good hands. Everything people love about the franchise will be there, but his originality, sense of humor and love for the games will give Resident Evil fans an entirely new experience that’s satisfying and a welcome addition to the world of the series.