Director Zach Cregger is incorporating gameplay elements and iconic motifs from classic Resident Evil video games into his upcoming film.
This approach marks a shift in how the franchise is adapted for cinema. By prioritizing the "feeling" of the games over traditional narrative structures, Cregger intends to deliver a survival-horror experience that remains true to the established lore while introducing new elements for movie audiences.
Cregger said he is studying the franchise's most iconic games to inform the film's direction. "I’m trying to bring the feeling of the games into the film," Cregger said.
Despite the director's focus on game motifs, some early reactions suggest a departure from the series' visual hallmarks. GameSpot editorial staff said that if the title card were removed from the teaser trailer, the project would be easy to mistake for an original horror property. The publication further said that the movie does not look like the games, noting an absence of the RPD Station, Nemesis, or Wesker.
Cregger said the movie takes cues from the most iconic entries in the series. The goal is to bridge the gap between interactive media and cinema, creating a tension that mirrors the survival mechanics players encounter in the games.
According to production reports, the film is slated for a 2024 theatrical release. The production aims to balance the expectations of longtime fans with the needs of a general audience who may be unfamiliar with the complex history of the biological outbreaks depicted in the source material.
“"I’m trying to bring the feeling of the games into the film."”
The tension between Cregger's stated goal of capturing 'gameplay feel' and the perceived lack of iconic imagery suggests a move toward atmospheric horror rather than literal adaptation. If the film succeeds in evoking the psychological pressure of survival horror without relying on recognizable characters or locations, it could establish a new blueprint for adapting gaming franchises that prioritizes mood over fan service.
