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Austin Abrams Stars in Cregger's Resident Evil, Sep 18

5/3/2026

Summary

Cregger Launches Resident

Director Zach Cregger's Resident Evil film starring Austin Abrams as courier Bryan opens on September 18, 2026.
Cregger says the story runs parallel to Resident Evil 2, omits heroes like Leon Kennedy, and uses camera angles that stress ammo conservation.
The trailer shows Bryan upgrading to a shotgun and MP5, includes a green herb Easter egg, and features actors Zach Cherry, Kali Reis and Paul Walter Hauser with co-writer Shay Hatten.

Summary

Studios Co-Produce

Columbia Pictures, Constantin Film and TriStar Pictures co-produce the new Resident Evil film, marking a high-profile partnership.
Executive producers Oliver Berben, Victor Hadida, Richard Wright and Robert Bernacci and production heads Robert Kulzer, Roy Lee, Miri Yoon, Carter Swan and Asad Qizilbash oversee the project.
Milla Jovovich is absent, disappointing fans.
The trailer’s mixed reception has left critics undecided, raising anticipation for the September 18, 2026 theatrical debut.

History

Historical Context

The original live-action Resident Evil movie premiered in 2002, directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, launching a global franchise that spawned multiple sequels. Capcom, the game's developer, reported the film earned $102 million worldwide, surpassing its $45 million production budget and confirming strong box office appeal. Similarly, the 2026 Resident Evil sequel, directed by Zach Cregger and produced by Columbia Pictures and Constantin Film, revisits the franchise’s roots without star Milla Jovovich. The pattern shows horror franchises leveraging nostalgic brand equity and new talent to sustain box-office viability, prompting studios to prioritize franchise continuity over original casts.

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Cregger Launches Resident

Director Zach Cregger's Resident Evil film starring Austin Abrams as courier Bryan opens on September 18, 2026.
Cregger says the story runs parallel to Resident Evil 2, omits heroes like Leon Kennedy, and uses camera angles that stress ammo conservation.
The trailer shows Bryan upgrading to a shotgun and MP5, includes a green herb Easter egg, and features actors Zach Cherry, Kali Reis and Paul Walter Hauser with co-writer Shay Hatten.

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