Key Takeaways:
- Sony secures rights to Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil reboot.
- Film releases in theaters on September 18, 2026.
- Cregger’s reboot will focus on horror and align closely with the video games.
- Production begins this summer, with a fresh start for the franchise.
- The project beat out Warner Bros. and Netflix in a competitive bidding war.
Resident Evil fans, rejoice! Sony has officially snagged the rights to Zach Cregger’s highly anticipated Resident Evil reboot, marking a major win in a fierce bidding war. With a September 18, 2026, release date locked in, this movie is set to breathe new life into the beloved—but often criticized—zombie franchise.
What’s New This Time Around?
Cregger’s vision for Resident Evil is a horror-focused, faithful adaptation of the iconic video games. Unlike previous films, this reboot won’t build on the storylines of earlier movies. Instead, it’s a clean slate, starting from scratch to deliver a fresh take on the survival horror classic. Cregger, known for his breakout hit Barbarian, co-wrote the screenplay with Shay Hatten, who worked on John Wick: Chapter 3 and Chapter 4.
The Resident Evil franchise, based on Capcom’s timeless video games, blends horror, sci-fi, and action. It follows a heroine battling zombies and a sinister bio-warfare company responsible for unleashing the undead. While the seven prior films in the franchise were panned by critics, they still managed to rake in over $1.2 billion at the global box office.
Why Cregger Is the Perfect Fit
Zach Cregger’s rise to prominence began in late 2022 with Barbarian, a horror film that became a surprise hit. Made on a modest $4.5 million budget, it grossed $45 million and earned widespread critical acclaim. Fans of Barbarian will be excited to hear that Cregger’s next project, Weapons, starring Josh Brolin and Julia Garner, is already generating buzz after glowing test screenings.
With his proven track record in horror, Cregger is the ideal director to reboot Resident Evil. His ability to balance suspense, jumpscares, and storytelling makes him a strong fit for a franchise that has always struggled to live up to its video game roots.
The Bidding War: Sony Holds On Tight
Sony’s acquisition of the Resident Evil reboot came after a heated battle with Warner Bros. and Netflix, among other studios. Sony’s familiarity with the franchise—it distributed the previous Resident Evil films—likely gave it an edge. The studio isn’t letting go of this opportunity to revive a franchise with massive global appeal.
What’s Next for Resident Evil?
Production on the reboot is set to kick off this summer, with Cregger overseeing the project from start to finish. While casting details are still under wraps, fans are eager to see who will step into iconic roles like Jill Valentine, Chris Redfield, and Leon S. Kennedy.
With a September 2026 release date, Resident Evil has plenty of time to build buzz. If Cregger’s past work is any indication, this reboot could finally deliver the film fans of the video games have been waiting for.
For now, fans can Speculate who will join the cast and what iconic moments from the games will make it to the big screen. One thing is certain: Resident Evil is back, and it’s ready to terrify audiences all over again.
