Fresh information about the next installment in the Resident Evil movie series has surfaced. Recent reports confirm Paul Walter Hauser (recognized for roles in Cobra Kai, Black Bird, and Marvel’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps) will appear in the project. Director Zach Cregger (Barbarian) recently clarified in an interview with Entertainment Weekly that the film features a completely new narrative, dismissing rumors of Leon Kennedy’s inclusion.

This isn’t a retelling of existing game plots. Audiences will recognize my creative imprint, but it’s grounded in the Resident Evil universe. Fans shouldn’t worry—I’m not repurposing established characters like Leon. Respecting the source material is crucial, so this story will coexist with the games without overshadowing them.

Though my focus leans toward original concepts, this project merges that approach with existing lore. The connection might seem abstract now, but clarity will come with the final product.

Details about the premise remain sparse. A synopsis hints at a “struggling delivery worker” tasked with transporting an item to an isolated medical facility, only to become trapped amid a biological catastrophe. To escape, they must fend off waves of genetically altered monsters. Austin Abrams (Euphoria, Wolfs) is reportedly attached to play the lead role.

This marks the third cinematic endeavor based on CAPCOM’s iconic franchise. The first, a six-film series by Paul W. S. Anderson starring Milla Jovovich, dominated the 2000s. A 2021 reboot, Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City, aimed for game accuracy but failed to resonate widely. Netflix’s 2022 series, which deviated significantly from lore, was discontinued after one season.

Cregger’s adaptation is set to premiere September 18, 2026. Concurrently, the next game entry, Resident Evil: Requiem, launches February 27, 2026. A preview from Gamescom 2025 is available here.