Resident Evil Reboot Emerges with Barbarian Helm

Zach Cregger, director of the acclaimed horror film Barbarian and a member of The Whitest Kids You Know, is helming a Resident Evil reboot. The Hollywood Reporter reports a fierce distribution bidding war is underway, with Cregger set to write and direct. Netflix and Warner Bros. are among the four studios vying for the rights.

Cregger's 2022 film, Barbarian, garnered significant attention for its unsettling premise. He's also completed his next project, Weapons, reportedly testing exceptionally well with audiences. (Read our Barbarian review here.)

This marks the second Resident Evil film reboot. Paul W.S. Anderson's six-film series, starring Milla Jovovich, generated $1.2 billion globally, though it deviated from the game storylines. The 2021 reboot, Welcome to Raccoon City, directed by Johannes Roberts, aimed for greater game fidelity but fell short of critical acclaim.

Constantin Film, alongside PlayStation Productions, will produce Cregger's reboot. Established in 2019, PlayStation Productions adapts Sony's game properties for film and television, with past successes including Uncharted (starring Tom Holland), Gran Turismo, The Last of Us TV series, and Twisted Metal.

Future PlayStation Productions projects include adaptations of Until Dawn, Days Gone, Ghost of Tsushima, Gravity Rush, Helldivers, Horizon Zero Dawn, and an Uncharted sequel. A God of War TV series and a Ghost of Tsushima anime are also in development.