Horror Visionary Zach Cregger Given 'Carte Blanche' for Resident Evil Movie

Cregger promises an 'entirely original story' that will be 'very Zach' in the Resident Evil world

Feb. 18, 2026 at 8:15am

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Zach Cregger, the director behind horror films like Barbarian and Weapons, has been given full creative control by Constantin Films to develop a new Resident Evil movie. Cregger says he is creating something entirely new for the franchise, not just a new story idea but allowing a new generation to take the IP in a different direction.

Why it matters

The Resident Evil film franchise has had a mixed reputation, so allowing a fresh creative voice like Cregger's to put his unique stamp on the material could breathe new life into the series and attract a new audience. Cregger's self-described 'comedic' and 'crazy' approach also signals a potential departure from the more serious tone of previous Resident Evil movies.

The details

Cregger, who has not seen any of the previous Resident Evil films, is being given 'carte blanche to do whatever he wanted to do with that IP,' according to Constantin Films CEO Oliver Berben. Cregger has described his take as an 'entirely original story' that will feel very much like his own sensibilities, while still taking place in the Resident Evil world. He has also confirmed that no legacy characters from the games or films will appear.

  • Resident Evil, starring Austin Abrams, Paul Walter Hauser, and Zach Cherry, is set to hit cinemas on September 18, 2026.

The players

Zach Cregger

A horror filmmaker known for movies like Barbarian and Weapons, who is being given full creative control over the new Resident Evil film.

Oliver Berben

The CEO of Constantin Films, the production company behind several live-action Resident Evil films and TV shows.

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What they’re saying

“With Resident Evil, we have had an incredible journey with one of the most successful international IPs of more than a billion dollars in box office for many years, and now we are creating something new, not just a new story idea, but to allow a new generation to take the IP into their own hands and form something different.”

— Oliver Berben, CEO, Constantin Films (Deadline)

“It's an entirely original story. When you watch it, you'll be like, 'This is very Zach.' It's just [that] it takes place in the Resident Evil world. I don't think fans of the games are gonna be bummed.”

— Zach Cregger (Entertainment Weekly)

What’s next

Resident Evil, Cregger's take on the horror franchise, is scheduled to hit theaters on September 18, 2026.

The takeaway

By giving a visionary horror director like Zach Cregger free rein to create an entirely new Resident Evil story, Constantin Films is signaling a bold and potentially risky move to reinvigorate the long-running franchise. Cregger's unique comedic and 'crazy' sensibilities could attract a new generation of fans while also pleasing longtime Resident Evil devotees.