Zach Cregger’s new Resident Evil movie went through changes during test screenings before its theatrical release. According to the director, some viewers felt the initial version relied too heavily on humor for a horror movie.

Because of that feedback, the production team significantly reduced the number of jokes from the original cut.

Cregger explained that the test screenings helped the team find the right balance between horror and comedy. After making the changes, the director said he was more satisfied with the final version.

The movie still contains some humorous moments, but the released version puts more emphasis on tension and the horror atmosphere.

A New Story in the Resident Evil Universe

The film tells an original story set in the Resident Evil universe rather than directly adapting one of the games.

The story follows Bryan, played by Austin Abrams, a delivery driver who arrives in Raccoon City just as an outbreak begins transforming the city.

While the story is new, the production incorporates elements from the universe created by Capcom, giving fans familiar connections without simply retelling one of the games.

A Different Take on the Franchise

The new movie is designed to establish its own story while remaining connected to the world that fans know from the Resident Evil games.

The cast also includes Zach Cherry, Kali Reis and Paul Walter Hauser.

The screenplay was written by Zach Cregger and Shay Hatten, with Cregger also serving as director.

Resident Evil Arrives in Theaters

The new Resident Evil movie arrived in theaters on September 18, 2026.

After the changes made following test screenings, the final version puts greater emphasis on horror and tension while keeping some of the humor that was part of the original vision.

Rather than adapting a specific game, the movie takes a new path within the franchise, introducing an original story while using familiar elements from the Resident Evil universe.