Resident Evil Reboot Under Zach Cregger: What We Know
Filming is underway, the story is original, and the tone aims straight for classic survival horror.
Here’s the TL;DR...
Zach Cregger (Barbarian, Weapons) is directing a new Resident Evil reboot with an original story set in the games’ universe—no established game characters.
Austin Abrams stars as a hapless courier delivering a package to a remote hospital—a descent “deeper into hell” that leans into tension over spectacle.
Shooting is underway in Prague, using city exteriors and Barrandov Studios; Cregger co-writes with Shay Hatten, targeting a 2026 release.
Filming Begins in Prague
Reports suggest that cameras are rolling in Prague, with production making use of the city’s streets and Barrandov Studios to capture a claustrophobic, institutional feel. Principal photography has started, aligning with Cregger’s plan for a tense, character-driven approach. Per Deadline, the project is set up at Sony’s Columbia Pictures with Constantin Film, Vertigo Entertainment, and PlayStation Productions aboard—continuing the long-standing partnership behind Resident Evil on screen.
The Plot: A New Descent into Hell
This reboot charts an original storyline inside the Resident Evil universe rather than retelling a prior game. IMDb summarizes the hook: a courier is tasked with delivering a mysterious package to a remote hospital, only to spiral deeper into hell as the job unravels. Sources suggest that it is not a direct remake of any game narrative, while Variety notes Cregger wanted a “different story” rooted in the tone of the games—closer to survival horror than action spectacle.
Cast: Austin Abrams Leads
Deadline confirmed Austin Abrams as the lead on March 21, 2025—his third collaboration with Cregger following The Vanishing Hour and Weapons. Fangoria echoed the casting the same day. Abrams’ role has the potential to be the anchor for a more intimate, single‑protagonist horror experience. Additional casting remains under wraps while the Prague shoot continues.
Cregger’s Vision and Writing Team
Cregger—who cites countless hours with Resident Evil 4—is co‑writing with Shay Hatten, per Deadline and Variety. He’s emphasized crafting a fresh take that draws directly from Capcom’s games rather than previous film adaptations. If in line with Cregger’s prior work, this itorization will likely prioritize dread, discovery, and escalation, with brief moments of levity used to sharpen the tension.
Release & Production Details
The film is slated for 2026 (IMDb / Resident Evil Fandom). Production is headquartered in Prague, with Constantin Film, Vertigo Entertainment, and PlayStation Productions producing for Columbia Pictures. NME’s casting update and Cosmic Book News’ production note align on momentum: the reboot is moving through principal photography with post‑production to follow.
Sources
TweakTown — Resident Evil reboot has begun shooting with “Weapons” director Zach Cregger (2025)
Deadline — “Resident Evil” From Zach Cregger Casts Austin Abrams (Mar 21, 2025); Zach Cregger Explains His “Resident Evil” Is “A Different Story” (Aug 13, 2025)
Variety — Zach Cregger Says His “Resident Evil” Movie Tells a “Different Story” (Aug 9, 2025)
Dexerto — Everything we know about Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil movie (2025)
IMDb — Resident Evil (2026)
MovieWeb — “Weapons” Actor to Star in Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil (Aug 11, 2025)
Resident Evil Fandom Wiki — Resident Evil (upcoming film) (2025)
NME — “Weapons” star cast in Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil adaptation (Aug 12, 2025)
Cosmic Book News — Zach Cregger Begins Filming Resident Evil Reboot in Prague (Aug 13, 2025)
Fangoria — Zach Cregger’s RESIDENT EVIL Movie Has Found Its Lead (Mar 21, 2025)
News compiled and edited by Derek Gibbs and Steven Bubbles on August 13, 2025. Follow us on ClownfishTV.com for more gaming, pop‑culture, and tech news, and consider subscribing for only $5 per month to get access to exclusive podcasts and other content.