Who Is Bryan in ‘Resident Evil’? Meet Austin Abrams’ New Hero in the Franchise Reboot

Zach Cregger’s interpretation of ‘Resident Evil’ has finally arrived in theaters, introducing a protagonist who diverges significantly from the franchise’s traditional leads. His name is Bryan, and unlike previous characters, he is not a special forces operative or a seasoned government agent.

Bryan is a medical courier who unexpectedly finds himself at the epicenter of a catastrophic viral outbreak that transforms living beings into horrifying monsters. Portrayed by Austin Abrams, his mundane profession adds a layer of unsettling realism to this new ‘Resident Evil’ experience.

Austin Abrams, recognized for his role in ‘Euphoria,’ takes on the character of Bryan, the film’s central figure who is thrust into a desperate fight for survival. He is joined by Zach Cherry, Kali Reis, Paul Walter Hauser, Johnno Wilson, Shaun W. Loeser, and Devon Deshaun Stewart, who collectively navigate the same terrifying ordeal.

Critics have noted that much of the film hinges on Abrams’ performance. One review on Rotten Tomatoes highlighted that he is rarely offscreen except during point-of-view shots, delivering a performance that is both understated and impressive, complete with genuine expressions of fear that add a humorous touch.

Another critic remarked that Abrams skillfully balances comedic and emotional desperation with a subtlety that is impressive. His survival journey is visceral and immediate, oscillating between humor and seriousness.

This blend of humor and tension appears to align perfectly with Cregger’s vision. Fans familiar with ‘Resident Evil’ through Milla Jovovich’s stylized action will find a stark contrast in Bryan, who embodies a character that screams, stumbles, and barely escapes, a conscious shift that the director has openly discussed.

The story begins with a seemingly ordinary task. Bryan has a limited window to deliver his package, navigating the chaos of Raccoon City as he confronts true evil in his quest for survival. This single delivery run becomes the driving force of the narrative.

Rotten Tomatoes describes the setup similarly, noting that Bryan, a medical courier, unwittingly finds himself in a relentless race for survival as one horrifying night spirals into chaos. The infection has already begun, and Bryan is simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.

According to Wikipedia, the story unfolds during events that parallel the game ‘Resident Evil 2’, set in a modern context. It follows Bryan as he battles through a viral outbreak of infected monsters in Raccoon City while making his delivery. Cherry, Reis, Wilson, and Hauser all play supporting roles as characters Bryan encounters along the way.

Cregger, who previously directed ‘Weapons’ and ‘Barbarian,’ has made it clear that he aimed to create something original rather than merely adapt the video games. In an interview with IGN at San Diego Comic Con, Cregger stated, “I am not trying to adapt a video game, I’m not using the characters from the games,” emphasizing that he believed Leon and Claire were already perfectly represented in the games, and casting them would detract from his vision.

This is why ‘Resident Evil’ introduces a completely new character in Bryan instead of relying on Leon Kennedy or Claire Redfield. Rotten Tomatoes’ official synopsis reinforces this fresh perspective, describing the film as a thrilling and terrifying reinvention of the ‘Resident Evil’ franchise from the mind of visionary filmmaker Zach Cregger.

Early reviews indicate that this bold choice may have paid off, with critics labeling it one of the most compelling video game adaptations ever, designed to thrill and scare while capturing the essence of the game through Cregger’s unique lens.

The decision to focus ‘Resident Evil’ on an unassuming courier rather than a trained hero seems to resonate both commercially and critically. Industry tracking site Box Office Pro projects the film for a record-breaking franchise debut, with 51% awareness and 52% interest, suggesting it could achieve the biggest opening for both the ‘Resident Evil’ franchise and for Cregger.

For context, no previous ‘Resident Evil’ film has surpassed $27 million in its opening weekend, with ‘Afterlife’ holding the record at $26.65 million from 2010. In contrast, earlier films like ‘Extinction’ and ‘Apocalypse’ opened around $23 million, while the original from 2002 debuted at $17.7 million, and ‘Welcome to Raccoon City’ had the lowest at $5.3 million. A courier with no combat experience may achieve what soldiers and agents in past films could not.

Bryan’s relatable, fragile humanity appears to be what draws both longtime fans and new viewers into this rendition of Raccoon City. As his harrowing delivery run unfolds on the big screen, do you believe Bryan deserves to become the new face of ‘Resident Evil,’ or are you still hoping for the return of Leon and Claire?