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Entertainment • Film

Resident Evil (2026 film)

Resident Evil is an upcoming survival horror film directed by Zach Cregger, who co-wrote the screenplay with Shay Hatten.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Resident Evil is an upcoming survival horror film directed by Zach Cregger, who co-wrote the screenplay with Shay Hatten. It is a second reboot of the Resident Evil film series and is based on Capcom's Resident Evil video game franchise. The film is scheduled for release in the United States on September 18, 2026.

Premise

The film follows Bryan, a medical courier who becomes trapped in a viral outbreak in Raccoon City. The story is an original narrative set alongside the events of Resident Evil 2 rather than a direct adaptation.

Production

Resident Evil is directed by Zach Cregger and co-written with Shay Hatten. It is produced by Constantin Film, Vertigo Entertainment, and PlayStation Productions.

Cast

The principal cast includes Austin Abrams, Zach Cherry, Kali Reis, Johnno Wilson, and Paul Walter Hauser. Abrams plays the lead character, Bryan.

Release

The film is scheduled to open in the United States on September 18, 2026. Reports and official materials indicate an IMAX release as part of the theatrical rollout.

Key facts

  • The film is a reboot of the Resident Evil film franchise and the second reboot overall.
  • It is set during alternate events alongside Resident Evil 2 (1998).
  • The story follows Bryan, a medical courier played by Austin Abrams, during a viral outbreak in Raccoon City.
  • Zach Cregger directs and co-wrote the screenplay with Shay Hatten.
  • The film is scheduled for theatrical release in the United States on September 18, 2026, including IMAX showings.
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Canadian context

The film has relevance for Canadian readers as part of the globally distributed Resident Evil franchise, which has a large international audience in Canada and has long been associated with Canadian video game and film fandom.

Frequently asked questions

What is Resident Evil (2026 film)?
It is an upcoming survival horror film and a reboot of the Resident Evil film series, based on Capcom's video game franchise.
Who directed Resident Evil (2026 film)?
Zach Cregger directed the film.
Who wrote the screenplay?
Zach Cregger co-wrote the screenplay with Shay Hatten.
When will the film be released?
It is scheduled for release in the United States on September 18, 2026.
What is the story about?
It follows Bryan, a medical courier caught in an outbreak of infected monsters in Raccoon City.
Is it connected to the earlier Resident Evil films?
It is a reboot and an original story, rather than a continuation of the earlier film series.

References

  1. Sony Pictures — https://residentevil.movie/
    Supports: Official synopsis, director, cast, and September 18, 2026 release date.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Resident_Evil_(2026_film)
    Supports: Directed by Zach Cregger, co-written with Shay Hatten, cast, premise, and release date.
  3. Deadline — https://deadline.com/2025/03/resident-evil-zach-cregger-sony-release-date-1236313985/
    Supports: Sony release date announcement and Zach Cregger's involvement.
  4. Variety — https://variety.com/2025/film/news/resident-evil-release-date-september-2026-sony-1236331386/
    Supports: Release date, production companies, and distribution details.
  5. People — https://www.people.com/resident-evil-2026-everything-to-know-11963718
    Supports: Plot details, cast, and relation to Resident Evil 2.