Zach Cregger's Resident Evil Reboot Is Already Being Called One of the Best Video Game Movies Ever
The First Reactions Are In, and They're Loud
Early reactions to Zach Cregger's Resident Evil reboot are painting an unusually enthusiastic picture for a genre that has historically struggled on the big screen. As Variety's roundup of first reactions detailed, critics who caught early screenings described the film as gloriously gory and, in some assessments, one of the best video game adaptations ever put to screen.
That kind of praise is notable given the franchise's uneven film history — a lineage of Resident Evil movies that has mostly traded critical respect for box office consistency. The Milla Jovovich-led films that dominated the 2000s and early 2010s built a loyal audience but rarely won over critics, which makes early reactions this strong a genuine departure for the property.
The reactions came out of the film's first press and industry screenings, the earliest checkpoint studios use to gauge whether a genre release is tracking toward a strong opening or a quiet one, and by that measure Sony appears to be in a strong position.
A Reboot That Deliberately Skips a Fan-Favorite
Cregger's version notably leaves out Leon Kennedy, one of the video game franchise's most iconic characters, a choice that stirred backlash among fans well before the film's release, as multiple outlets covering the production reported.
Cregger has since addressed the criticism directly, acknowledging he didn't fully anticipate how strongly fans would react to the character's absence and describing himself as having been somewhat naive about the demand for a Leon-centered story, according to reporting on his comments.
Cregger's Horror Pedigree Raised the Stakes
Expectations were already high heading into the film given Cregger's recent run in horror, which built him a reputation for blending genuine scares with sharp, unexpected tonal shifts — a skill set that seemed tailor-made for adapting a franchise built on both survival horror and outright camp.
Early reactions suggest that reputation held up, with several critics framing the film's gore and tension as evidence that Cregger's directorial voice translated cleanly into an established gaming property rather than getting swallowed by it.
When and Where to See It
The film comes from Sony, with a September 2026 theatrical release that positions it squarely in the fall horror corridor, a window that has proven lucrative for genre films looking to build word-of-mouth ahead of Halloween.
With reactions this strong circulating before general release, the studio appears to be banking on enthusiastic early buzz translating into a stronger opening than the franchise has managed in recent installments. Positive first reactions don't guarantee box office success, but they do shape the marketing push in the crucial final weeks before release, and Sony has reportedly leaned into the most quotable lines from those early reviews.
Quick Facts
Zach Cregger directs the 2026 Resident Evil reboot for Sony
Early reactions call it gloriously gory and among the best video game adaptations
The film deliberately excludes fan-favorite character Leon Kennedy
Cregger has publicly addressed backlash over that choice
The film is set for a September 2026 theatrical release
What It Means for Video Game Movies
If the early reactions hold up once wider reviews land, Resident Evil would join a short but growing list of adaptations — including recent hits in the genre — that have managed to satisfy both longtime fans and mainstream critics, a combination that has eluded the format for years.
For Cregger, it would also mark his highest-profile project to date, testing whether an auteur reputation built on smaller original horror films can scale up inside a major studio franchise without losing what made his earlier work distinct.
FAQs
Is Leon Kennedy in the new Resident Evil movie?
No. Zach Cregger's reboot deliberately leaves out the character, a choice that sparked backlash before release.
What are critics saying about Resident Evil?
Early reactions compiled by Variety describe it as gloriously gory and one of the best video game adaptations ever made.
Who directed the new Resident Evil?
Zach Cregger, known for his recent run of acclaimed horror films, directs the Sony reboot.
When does Resident Evil come out?
The film is scheduled for a September 2026 theatrical release.
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