Resident Evil Trailer Unleashes Zach Cregger’s Terrifying Reinvention

The Barbarian and Weapons filmmaker brings the iconic video game horror franchise back to theaters with an original IMAX survival story.

Sony Pictures has officially revealed the first trailer for its bold new take on Resident Evil, bringing one of gaming’s most iconic horror franchises back to the big screen with an original story from filmmaker Zach Cregger. Rather than adapting a familiar game, the upcoming film charts its own terrifying course while embracing the survival horror roots that made the franchise a worldwide phenomenon.

Filmed for IMAX, Resident Evil arrives in theaters on September 18, 2026.

A New Story Brings Resident Evil Back to Horror

Following the critical success of Barbarian and the Weapons, director Zach Cregger is once again diving into horror with a fresh vision for Resident Evil.

Instead of retelling the events of the games, the film introduces audiences to Bryan, played by Austin Abrams, a medical courier whose ordinary delivery quickly spirals into an unimaginable nightmare.

As one horrifying night descends into chaos, Bryan is forced into a relentless fight for survival against terrifying threats lurking around every corner. The trailer promises relentless tension, brutal action, disturbing creatures, and the kind of suspense that has defined Resident Evil for nearly three decades.

Sony describes the film as an all-new story set within the Resident Evil universe, offering longtime fans plenty of mystery while remaining accessible to newcomers.

An Impressive Creative Team Behind the Horror

Zach Cregger directs the film from a screenplay he co-wrote with Shay Hatten.

Cregger has quickly become one of horror’s most exciting filmmakers after directing the critically acclaimed Barbarian and Weapons further establishing himself as a major voice in modern genre filmmaking.

Hatten has become one of Hollywood’s go-to action and genre writers. His credits include John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, John Wick: Chapter 4, Army of the Dead, Army of Thieves, and Zack Snyder’s Rebel Moon films. Nerdtropolis previously had the opportunity to interview Hatten, and readers can revisit that conversation as excitement builds for his latest project.

Meet the Cast

Leading the film is Austin Abrams, who has earned acclaim through performances in Euphoria, Dash & Lily, The Walking Dead, and Wolfs. His emotionally grounded performances make him an intriguing choice to lead a survival horror story.

Joining him is Zach Cherry, known for his standout comedic and dramatic work in Severance, Fallout, You, and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.

Academy Award-nominated boxer-turned-actress Kali Reis also stars. Reis received widespread praise for True Detective: Night Country alongside Jodie Foster and previously appeared in Catch the Fair One. Nerdtropolis previously interviewed Reis, and readers can revisit that conversation before seeing her take on Resident Evil.

Rounding out the main cast is Paul Walter Hauser, whose remarkable career includes Emmy-winning work in Black Bird and acclaimed performances in Richard Jewell, I, Tonya, Cruella, Inside Out 2, and The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Nerdtropolis has also spoken with Hauser in past interviews, which fans can revisit as anticipation grows for the film.

Resident Evil’s Legacy in Gaming

Capcom launched the original Resident Evil in 1996, forever changing the horror genre by popularizing survival horror. Set largely inside the mysterious Spencer Mansion, the game introduced players to the deadly Umbrella Corporation, biological experiments gone wrong, and unforgettable heroes including Chris Redfield, Jill Valentine, Leon S. Kennedy, Claire Redfield, Ada Wong, and Albert Wesker.

Over nearly three decades, Resident Evil has grown into one of the most successful video game franchises ever created, selling more than 170 million copies worldwide across its mainline games, remakes, and spin-offs.

The series has continually reinvented itself, from the action-heavy entries of the 2000s to the acclaimed first-person horror experiences of Resident Evil 7: Biohazard and Resident Evil Village.

A Franchise That Continues to Evolve on the Big Screen

Resident Evil has also become one of the highest-grossing video game film franchises in history.

The original live-action series starring Milla Jovovich ran for six films between 2002 and 2016, earning more than $1.2 billion worldwide and becoming the most successful film franchise based on a video game at the time.

Sony later rebooted the series with 2021’s Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City, which more closely adapted the events of the first two games. The franchise also expanded through several animated films, including Degeneration, Damnation, Vendetta, and Death Island, featuring many of the games’ beloved characters.

Now, Cregger’s film aims to deliver a fresh cinematic experience while embracing the terror and atmosphere that made Resident Evil a global sensation.

Resident Evil Opens This September

With an acclaimed horror director behind the camera, an accomplished writing team, and a talented ensemble cast, Sony Pictures is hoping to launch an exciting new era for Resident Evil.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of the games or discovering the franchise for the first time, the new film promises an intense, suspense-filled journey that returns the series to its horror roots.

Filmed for IMAX, Resident Evil arrives in theaters on September 18, 2026.

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