Early Reactions Call Zach Cregger's New 'Resident Evil' Movie 'Absolutely Wild'

Horror aficionados are getting their very first taste of Zach Cregger’s highly anticipated *Resident Evil* movie, and the initial verdict promises total mayhem. Ahead of the film's official theatrical release on September 18, select audience members were given an exclusive sneak peek at the opening 30 minutes of the flick. According to reports, viewers who caught the early footage are calling the spin on the iconic video game universe "absolutely wild." Rather than simply remaking the plot of the beloved Capcom games frame-for-frame, Cregger crafted a fresh narrative that runs parallel to the terrifying events of *Resident Evil 2*. The filmmaker—who previously blew audiences away with the twisted 2022 horror hit *Barbarian* and directed the buzzy thriller *Weapons*—is using the new film to reboot the franchise with a distinct, adrenaline-fueled twist.

The fresh storyline shifts focus to a brand-new protagonist named Bryan, brought to life by actor Austin Abrams. Bryan works as a routine medical courier who gets caught in the wrong place at the worst possible time. His standard shift suddenly turns into a frantic, non-stop fight for survival when an unimaginable nightmare consumes the city in a single, chaotic night. Instead of centering the action on iconic game heroes right out of the gate, the movie builds its terror around an ordinary guy thrust into extraordinary horrors. Official promotional descriptions frame the project as a thrilling and terrifying reinvention of the franchise, leaning heavily into relentless tension and survival action.

When the movie's teaser trailer debuted back in July, it sparked passionate discussions across gaming forums regarding how faithful Cregger’s vision would be to the source material. Some long-time fans expressed hesitation about stepping away from the established lore and character arcs that made the survival-horror series a global phenomenon. Cregger acknowledged that skepticism early on, sharing his hope that gamers would give the film a chance regardless of any initial disappointment over skipped game storylines. The director emphasized his desire for fans to feel seen and satisfied once they actually sit down to experience the complete picture on the big screen. With the full movie arriving in theaters on September 18, those enthusiastic first reactions indicate that Cregger's risky, game-adjacent approach just might deliver the jolt of energy the cinematic franchise needs.