Video game adaptations have always walked a tightrope. They have to operate between fan service and reinvention, and it seems like Zach Cregger has picked his side. After the success of Weapons, the director was given full creative control of the next Resident Evil movie (via World of Reel).
But the reaction from test screenings is a bit chaotic. The new movie is set to release on September 18, 2026, and Cregger’s version sounds like it might disappoint fans. So let’s look at what early viewers are saying, followed by why we think the movie might still be a hit.
Test Screening Audience Reacts to Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil
Credit: Etalk/YouTube
Early test screening for Resident Evil suggests that Zach Cregger’s adaptation barely resembles the games that fans grew up with. According to the attendees, the movie has “practically nothing to do with the game.” (via World of Reel)
There are a few Easter eggs and monsters that fans might recognize, and it is quite similar to Mad Max: Fury Road in its pacing and intensity. Another major problem seems to be the lack of world-building, so for the fans who value the franchise’s mythology, Cregger’s Resident Evil could be disappointing.
Many players have spent years waiting for a faithful adaptation. But knowing that this version intentionally avoids being similar to the games might ruffle some feathers. Plus, the lead, played by Austin Abrams, will just be thrown into the chaos with minimal backstory and emotional development.
Why Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil Could Still Become a Success
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zach Cregger (@zcregger)
Despite the risk of purists hating this movie, there are strong reasons to believe that Zach Cregger might be able to pull this off. The movie indeed deviates from the games, but early reactions are still positive.
Moreover, Cregger is simply incredible at creating tension. It might not have the nerdy bits that hardcore fans like, but the story and its scope will be broad enough to appeal to everyone. Both of his past films, Weapons and Barbarian, in a similar genre, have done well and thrived through word of mouth, so he could hit a hat-trick!
Moreover, horror films are thriving in general since 2025, with Sinners winning multiple Oscars and Cregger’s Weapons doing incredibly well at the box office. But what do you think, does he need to please the fans for Resident Evil to be a hit, or the masses?
The Resident Evil film will release on September 18, 2026 (USA).
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
