Director Zach Cregger said his upcoming Resident Evil film will feature an original story rather than a direct adaptation of the games [1].
This creative decision marks a departure from traditional video game adaptations, which often rely on recreating specific plotlines to satisfy existing fanbases. By avoiding a literal retelling, Cregger aims to expand the franchise's cinematic universe without limiting the narrative to established game scripts.
Cregger said these details during a virtual press round-table and interview focused on the upcoming movie trailer [2]. He said his goal is to create a fresh narrative that avoids the constraints of a direct adaptation [1].
"Fans would be bummed if I just did the story of the games," Cregger said [1].
The director said the film is not intended to be a shot-for-shot recreation of any single title. Instead, he is focusing on a narrative that exists within the wider world of the series. This approach allows for more creative flexibility, while still honoring the source material [2].
"I'm not trying to faithfully recreate a specific Resident Evil game; I'm telling a new story that lives on the periphery of Resident Evil 2," Cregger said [2].
By placing the story on the periphery of Resident Evil 2, the film can utilize the atmosphere and lore of the games without being beholden to the exact sequence of events players already know [2]. This strategy seeks to provide a new experience for long-term fans, and a manageable entry point for new viewers who have not played the games [1].
“"Fans would be bummed if I just did the story of the games."”
The decision to move away from a direct adaptation reflects a growing trend in Hollywood where creators prioritize 'inspired-by' narratives over strict faithfulness. By anchoring the film to the periphery of Resident Evil 2, the production can leverage the brand's recognition while avoiding the critical pitfalls of failing to perfectly mirror a beloved game's plot.
