The wait is finally over for horror fans. Sony Pictures Entertainment has unveiled the first trailer for its upcoming Resident Evil film, offering a chilling glimpse into a brand-new survival horror story inspired by Capcom’s legendary video game franchise. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Zach Cregger, the reboot introduces fresh characters while staying true to the terrifying atmosphere that made the games a global phenomenon. Packed with zombies, suspense, and intense survival sequences, the trailer has already sparked excitement among longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Sony Pictures Reveals the First Resident Evil Trailer
Sony Pictures has officially released the first trailer for Resident Evil, introducing audiences to a fresh chapter in the iconic horror franchise.
Rather than retelling familiar stories, the film presents an original narrative inspired by Capcom’s best-selling survival horror games. While the characters and storyline are new, the movie retains the franchise’s signature blend of terrifying creatures, relentless tension, and desperate survival.
The film is directed by Zach Cregger, best known for the critically acclaimed horror films Barbarian and Weapons. He also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Shay Hatten.
Austin Abrams Leads the Fight for Survival
The story follows Bryan, played by Austin Abrams, who works as a medical courier.
What begins as a routine emergency delivery quickly spirals into chaos when Bryan unexpectedly encounters a zombie.
As the horrifying outbreak spreads, he is forced into a desperate fight for survival, navigating collapsing streets, terrifying encounters, and impossible choices in a world rapidly descending into madness.
According to the film’s official logline:
“(Bryan) finds himself in an action-packed, non-stop race for survival as one fateful, horrifying night collapses around him in chaos.”
The film also stars Zach Cherry, Kali Reis, and Paul Walter Hauser in key roles.
Trailer Pays Tribute to the Classic Video Games
One sequence in the trailer is already generating excitement among longtime Resident Evil fans.
Bryan enters an abandoned house searching for safety, where he discovers an empty shotgun lying in the hallway. Moments later, he finds shotgun shells hidden inside a dresser.
The scene closely mirrors the gameplay mechanics of the original Resident Evil titles, where players explored deserted buildings in search of weapons, ammunition, healing items, and clues while avoiding deadly enemies.
It’s a subtle but effective nod to the franchise’s gaming roots.
Zach Cregger Promises a Faithful Adaptation
Speaking during CinemaCon 2026, director Zach Cregger shared his passion for the iconic game series.
He revealed:
“Over the last couple of decades, I have played a lot of Resident Evil. If you love the games, you will feel their influence everywhere in the movie.”
His comments suggest that while the film tells an original story, it remains deeply inspired by the atmosphere, tension, and gameplay elements that made the games legendary.
A Franchise With a Rich Legacy
The Resident Evil franchise first debuted in the 1990s through Capcom’s groundbreaking survival horror video games.
Over the decades, it has evolved into one of the most successful horror franchises in entertainment, spawning multiple sequels, remakes, animated projects, novels, and blockbuster films.
The live-action movie series began in 2002 with Milla Jovovich in the lead role and continued through several successful sequels, including:
- Resident Evil: Apocalypse
- Resident Evil: Extinction
- Resident Evil: Afterlife
- Resident Evil: Retribution
- Resident Evil: The Final Chapter
- Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City
Collectively, the franchise has grossed more than $1 billion worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing video game adaptations in cinema history.
Release Date and Production Details
The upcoming Resident Evil film is produced by Constantin Film in collaboration with PlayStation Productions.
Sony Pictures has confirmed that the horror reboot will release exclusively in theatres on September 18.
With a new cast, fresh storyline, and a filmmaker known for delivering unsettling horror, the movie aims to introduce a terrifying new chapter while honouring the legacy of Capcom’s iconic franchise.
Final Thoughts
The first trailer for Resident Evil promises an intense survival horror experience packed with terrifying zombies, suspenseful action, and clever references to the beloved video games.
Led by Austin Abrams and directed by Zach Cregger, the reboot appears determined to recapture the fear and tension that made the franchise a global sensation. As anticipation builds ahead of its September 18 theatrical release, horror fans have every reason to keep this film on their watchlist.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the new Resident Evil movie releasing?
Sony Pictures has confirmed that Resident Evil will be released in theatres on September 18.
Who stars in the new Resident Evil film?
The movie stars Austin Abrams in the lead role alongside Zach Cherry, Kali Reis, and Paul Walter Hauser.
Who directed the Resident Evil reboot?
The film is directed by Zach Cregger, known for acclaimed horror films such as Barbarian and Weapons.
Is the new Resident Evil movie based on the games?
Yes. While the movie tells a new story with original characters, it is heavily inspired by Capcom’s Resident Evil video game series and includes several references that longtime fans will recognize.
Who is producing the new Resident Evil movie?
The upcoming horror film is produced by Constantin Film and PlayStation Productions, with Sony Pictures handling its theatrical release.
