Zach Cregger Discusses Future Ideas for More ‘Resident Evil’ Movies

Horror enthusiasts have been closely following Zach Cregger’s rise in the film industry, as he transitioned from a cult indie filmmaker to a prominent voice in the genre. After ‘Barbarian’ gained him recognition and ‘Weapons’ established him as a contender during awards season, his choice to adapt an established video game franchise marked a notable shift from the original narratives that defined his early work.

This shift is embodied in ‘Resident Evil,’ Cregger’s interpretation of Capcom’s iconic survival horror series, which is set to hit theaters later this month. Even before its release, Cregger has begun to contemplate the potential for a sequel.

During a post-screening Q&A following an early 30-minute preview in Los Angeles, Cregger directly addressed the possibility of continuing the story. “I can’t help thinking about other places this story could go,” he stated, as reported by The Playlist, noting that he already has concepts in mind despite the film not yet being out.

However, Cregger has emphasized that ‘Resident Evil’ will be the only franchise film he directs, expressing a desire for creative freedom in future projects. He wants to explore stories that genuinely interest him rather than being tied to another established universe.

Cregger’s philosophy extends to his overall approach to genre. In a conversation with Deadline, he explained that he doesn’t aim for a specific genre with his projects, stating, “I just hope I get a good idea,” allowing the concept that resonates with him to guide his choices.

This mindset aligns with how Cregger views the ‘Resident Evil’ games. He has referred to the film as a love letter to the franchise, ensuring that his narrative respects the established lore, even if it doesn’t directly adapt any single game.

During the Q&A, Cregger revealed that his script draws inspiration from the tense atmospheres of ‘Resident Evil 4’ and ‘Resident Evil 7,’ rather than following any particular game’s storyline. He aims to make audiences aware of specific video game mechanics throughout the film, creating a unique experience compared to previous live-action adaptations.

Looking ahead, Cregger’s slate includes more than just this franchise entry. He is also attached to ‘The Flood,’ a project he developed after a chance opportunity to collaborate with Steven Spielberg, which required him to generate a concept in just a few days.

This versatility, moving from a horror franchise adaptation to an original project with one of Hollywood’s most esteemed directors, highlights the creative freedom Cregger has achieved following his recent successes. His comments suggest he is approaching each new project independently rather than trying to establish a specific brand identity as a filmmaker.

‘Resident Evil’ features Austin Abrams as Bryan, a medical courier whose routine delivery turns into a desperate struggle for survival as Raccoon City descends into chaos. Abrams previously collaborated with Cregger on ‘Weapons,’ and Cregger envisioned him in the lead role even during the filming of that earlier project.

Whether Cregger will pursue those sequel ideas will largely depend on audience and critical reception once ‘Resident Evil’ premieres. Early reactions to the preview screening have reportedly been positive, giving the director some initial momentum leading into the release.

‘Resident Evil’ is set to release in theaters on September 18, distributed by Columbia Pictures and Constantin Film in association with TriStar Pictures.

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