A first look at the new ‘Resident Evil’ movie — but fans say the trailer misses the mark

The dream of seeing a Resident Evil movie that truly nails Capcom’s signature blend of dread, tension, and claustrophobic horror remains… elusive.

The first trailer for Resident Evil, the latest attempt to bring the franchise’s terror to the big screen, just dropped — but early reactions suggest it falls short of capturing the eerie atmosphere that defines the games.

Release date and what we know so far

Resident Evil hits U.S. theaters on September 18. Directed by Zach Cregger, the film doesn’t adapt any specific game. Instead, it tells an original story set within the franchise’s universe — no Leon, no Claire, no Jill. The focus is tighter, more intimate, and built around a single, escalating nightmare.

The movie opens on what seems like a routine night shift. Bryan, a medical courier, is tasked with delivering an urgent package to a remote hospital. But the moment he arrives, everything unravels. A sudden biological outbreak traps him inside, turning the facility into a hostile maze filled with mutated creatures and an unseen threat spreading out of control.

Austin Abrams stars as Bryan, anchoring the film as its central point of view. The cast also includes Paul Walter Hauser (Carl), Zach Cherry (Dave), Kali Reis (Pauline), and Johnno Wilson (Max).

For fans wanting a more classic ‘Resident Evil‘ experience

If the movie’s creative detour isn’t what longtime fans are craving, the gaming side of the franchise is offering something more traditional. The newly released Resident Evil Requiem leans into nostalgia with Leon while introducing a fresh storyline through a new character, Grace. The game blends the series’ two modern identities: slow-burn horror and high-intensity action.

It’s available now on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2.

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