PlayStation Productions to Reboot Resident Evil with Barbarian Director

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Although Milla Jovovich was the iconic figure associated with the Resident Evil series from 2002 to 2016, now that the established storyline has concluded, the franchise is eager to breathe new life into its ticket sales.

In recent times, there have been multiple efforts, including a movie and a TV show, to adapt this franchise. However, it seems that a fresh director is set to take on the project, and all major studios are eager to get involved.

Zach Cregger and Resident Evil

According to The Hollywood Reporter, director Zach Cregger is engaged in a fierce competition with multiple studios over the rights to a new take on Resident Evil, a project that Cregger himself will write and direct. Details about this remake are currently under wraps, but it’s been hinted that Cregger’s interpretation will revive the terrifying horror elements found in the original games released in 1996.

In collaboration, PlayStation Productions and longtime holder of the Resident Evil film rights, Constantin Film, are set to produce a movie together. The script for this project will be jointly written by Shay Hatten, who has previously worked on the John Wick series, and Cregger.

As for the ongoing competition over the project, there’s talk that four significant production companies are eager to claim it, among them being Netflix, who were behind the critically panned Resident Evil series, and Warner Bros. Pictures.

The Original Film Series

As a die-hard fan, I’ve got to admit that while the original Resident Evil series might have seemed a bit cheesy, it certainly knew how to rake in the dough! The franchise has churned out an impressive seven movies, each grossing over a billion dollars at the box office.

Most of the films starring Milla Jovovich were part of the “Resident Evil” series, which includes “Resident Evil” (2002), “Resident Evil: Apocalypse” (2004), “Resident Evil: Extinction” (2007), “Resident Evil: Afterlife” (2010), “Resident Evil: Retribution” (2012), and “Resident Evil: The Final Chapter” (2016). These films were primarily directed by Paul W.S. Anderson.

2021 saw an attempt at a reboot, specifically “Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City”, but the film met with a less than favorable reception from audiences.

Lately, Cregger has been drawing a great deal of interest due to the release of “Barbarian”. His knack for blending horror with comedy is seen as quite distinctive, and his involvement in the “Resident Evil” remake project has sparked significant curiosity among many fans.

Games vs. Movies

While the Resident Evil series may not shine as brightly in box office earnings compared to other movies, it remains a powerful brand for Capcom in the gaming world. They’ve continued to generate substantial profits through their latest releases and reimagined versions of the initial games.

It appears that with the launch of Resident Evil 4, Capcom may have exhausted their list of games to remake for the latest consoles, yet there’s still a chance for Code: Veronica to receive a remake.

It’s ideal if there’s some alignment between their existing schedule and the new movie adaptation, as PlayStation Productions aims for a seamless integration between the film and the game.

No release date has been announced for the Resident Evil reboot.

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2025-01-28 18:15