Director Zach Cregger is pulling back the curtain on his upcoming Resident Evil film, sharing details about the game references he carefully wove into the movie and confessing which moment in the franchise genuinely terrified him. In an exclusive trailer breakdown with IGN, Cregger pointed out a cleverly concealed green herb tucked into the background of a shot — a deliberate recreation of the iconic healing plant from Resident Evil 4, complete with an exact replica of the copper-striped bucket it sits in. He admitted that even though the film likely takes place in the world of the second game, he couldn’t resist borrowing from his personal favorite entry in the series.
The easter eggs don’t stop there. Cregger explained that several scenes in the trailer showing the main character frantically rummaging through drawers for shotgun shells are a direct homage to one of the series’ most defining mechanics: the constant, desperate hunt for ammunition and healing supplies. He described that element as essential to making any authentic tribute to the games, calling it something you simply cannot leave out of a proper Resident Evil experience.
Structurally, Cregger said he drew heavy inspiration from Resident Evil 4’s varied pacing, which moves players through multiple distinct environments and escalating set pieces rather than confining them to a single location. The film mirrors that approach, following a courier played by Austin Abrams as he navigates an increasingly dangerous journey through Raccoon City on the very first day of the outbreak. Locked doors and the search for keys — another hallmark of the franchise — will also play a significant role in the story.
In a separate conversation with the PlayStation Blog reported by GameSpot, Cregger revealed that the single most frightening moment he ever experienced in the franchise was the infamous baby monster sequence from Resident Evil Village — made exponentially worse by the fact that he was playing it in virtual reality. He described the combination of disturbing sound design, flickering lights, and claustrophobic hallways as so overwhelming that he actually removed his VR headset and took a coffee break before he could continue.
Despite his clear love for the source material, Cregger has chosen not to directly adapt any existing Resident Evil storyline or feature established characters like Leon S. Kennedy. He acknowledged the sensitivity of that decision, saying he feels deeply aware that many fans would prefer a faithful retelling of the games but that he didn’t believe he could do those stories justice. Instead, the film is set within the Resident Evil universe and aims to capture the spirit and atmosphere of the games while telling an entirely original story.
The Resident Evil movie is scheduled to arrive in theaters on September 18. With its blend of carefully placed fan-service details and a fresh narrative approach, Cregger appears to be walking a fine line between honoring a beloved franchise and carving out something new within its world.