Production on the new live-action Resident Evil film is underway, and the first set photos reveal how Prague is being transformed into the familiar, decaying streets of Raccoon City. The images show an eerie calm before the chaos, capturing the cityscape before Umbrella Corporation’s bioweapons unleash the series’ trademark horror. This time, the setting has a seasonal twist, with the production team giving Raccoon City a winter makeover—a departure from the games’ usual autumnal or rain-soaked tone.
Directed by Zach Cregger, best known for Barbarian and Weapons, the upcoming film draws heavy inspiration from Resident Evil 2, Resident Evil 3, and Resident Evil 4. While staying within the established lore, Cregger has emphasized that his version will bring its own flavor to the franchise. “I don’t think I’m taking any more liberties with this movie than the game franchise does,” he said earlier this year, suggesting a balance between faithfulness and creative interpretation.
Recent reports from fan site Residence of Evil note that several action sequences have already been shot, including scenes involving explosions and large-scale street combat, though infected characters have yet to appear in leaked images. The cast includes Kali Reis (True Detective: Night Country), Austin Abrams (Euphoria, Weapons), and Zach Cherry (Severance), among others.
The film is slated for theatrical release on September 18, 2026, positioning it as a major entry in the ongoing wave of video game adaptations. The Resident Evil brand remains active across media, with Resident Evil Requiem—the next mainline game in the series—set to launch for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2 on February 27, 2026.
With a director known for tension and atmosphere, practical set design over heavy CGI, and a winter backdrop adding a fresh visual layer to Raccoon City, this adaptation appears to be leaning into grounded horror rather than pure spectacle. Whether it can capture the essence of the games while carving its own identity will be the real test when it hits theaters next year.
