Zach Cregger Confirms ‘Resident Evil’ Will Be His Only Franchise Movie

Zach Cregger has spent recent years crafting a unique filmmaking résumé in modern horror, transitioning from a background in sketch comedy to becoming one of the genre’s most respected new voices. After original successes like ‘Barbarian’ and ‘Weapons’ brought him into the spotlight, his choice to adapt an established video game franchise appears to be a significant shift from the original storytelling that established his reputation.

This change has led many fans to speculate whether it indicates a broader move into franchise filmmaking for Cregger, especially since it has become increasingly rare for indie directors to resist the allure of established intellectual properties when studios come calling. With his ‘Resident Evil’ adaptation set to release in just a few weeks, Cregger has addressed this question head-on.

According to Deadline, Cregger confirmed that ‘Resident Evil’ is the first and only franchise film he intends to make, dismissing any suggestion that this project marks the beginning of a shift toward blockbuster filmmaking. “I’m not doing that again,” Cregger stated, clarifying his position well before the film’s release.

Cregger elaborated on his reasoning in a separate discussion, explaining that he identifies primarily as a writer with little interest in crafting stories around the predetermined beats that come with established intellectual properties. He has no plans to pursue other franchises, preferring to create material that genuinely interests him without the constraints of existing lore.

Despite drawing a firm line around future franchise projects, Cregger has consistently shown respect for the source material of ‘Resident Evil.’ He has previously described himself as the “biggest worshiper” of the games, noting that his story exists outside the established character roster while still adhering to the franchise’s lore.

This approach means that longtime fans expecting a direct adaptation of any specific game storyline will encounter something different. Cregger confirmed that the film will not feature fan-favorite character Leon S. Kennedy, explaining that Leon’s story has already been explored in the games, and fans “already have that” experience available to them.

Instead, Cregger’s film follows an entirely original protagonist navigating the downfall of Raccoon City, heavily influenced by the atmospheric dread that defines standout entries in the franchise like ‘Resident Evil 4’ and ‘Resident Evil 7.’ The film stars Austin Abrams in the lead role, with Cregger previously revealing he envisioned Abrams for the part while they were still collaborating on ‘Weapons.’

Cregger’s commitment to original storytelling after this project aligns with the trajectory of his career thus far. Beyond ‘Resident Evil,’ he is also attached to ‘The Flood,’ an original sci-fi project he developed after finding an unexpected opportunity to collaborate with Steven Spielberg, along with ongoing discussions with Warner Bros. about a potential prequel centered on Amy Madigan’s breakout character from ‘Weapons,’ Aunt Gladys.

This range, oscillating between an established horror franchise and multiple original concepts, suggests Cregger views ‘Resident Evil’ as a unique opportunity rather than a template for his future career. Given the creative control studios have reportedly granted him on the project, including a reported $20 million payday for writing, directing, and producing the film, it’s evident that Sony sees Cregger as a significant investment, even if he has no intention of repeating the experience.

‘Resident Evil’ hits theaters on September 18 through Sony Pictures and Constantin Film. With Cregger drawing such a clear line around his future franchise involvement, fans hoping for a sequel or additional entries in this corner of the ‘Resident Evil’ universe may need to look toward other creative voices in the future.

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