'Weapons' Zach Cregger on Why He's Directing 'Resident Evil': It's 'Going to Be Awesome'

Director Zach Cregger is surely enjoying the moment as his newly released film Weapons earns rave reviews amid a stellar start at the box office. But while the newest horror/mystery film continues to its ever-growing hype, Cregger is also already locked in on his next project—Resident Evil.

Cregger's dive into the popular franchise is bound to be different than those seen in the past, which fans of Weapons and the 2022 film Barbarian have come to expect. But while Cregger's fresh take on Resident Evil is bound to be unique, his reason for taking on the project is as relatable as anyone could imagine.

Zach Cregger's Reason for Doing 'Resident Evil'? He Think It's Going to Be 'F***ing Awesome'

There's something refreshing about brutal honesty from those in the film and television industries. Although there are several things that grabbed Cregger's interest about the new Resident Evil, his main reason seems to be a telling connection to why his work is so well-received by fans.

Sara Paxton, Zach Cregger at the 'Weapons' World Premiere held at The United Theater on Broadway.

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During a recent interview with Ringer Movies, Cregger spoke about the decision to direct Resident Evil next, and admitted that it's a story he would've wanted to write even if he hadn't landed on the film.

"I've never seen a Resident Evil movie," Cregger admitted. "I've never seen one, and I played the games obsessively. This is a story that comes from a healthy creative place. "

"This is a story that I would’ve wanted to write whether I got Resident Evil the IP or not. I just so happened to be able to have these Resident Evil people be down. So I get to play in that sandbox and I'm honored to and I'm stoked to get a story that I actually love."

Cregger then summed it up with a perfect one-liner that's bound to resonate with viewers, stating that he's doing Resident Evil because he thinks it's "going to be f***ing awesome."

"I don't need to do this, I'm in a healthy enough place where I can go make a different original movie and it's fine," Cregger added. "I’m doing it because I think this movie is going to be fucking awesome."

It's hard to argue with that reasoning.

Zach Cregger Explains That 'Resident Evil' Will Feature 'a Different Story' Sanford Panitch, President, Sony Pictures Entertainment Motion Picture Group and Zach Cregger attend CinemaCon 2025- Opening Night and Sony Pictures Entertainment Presentation at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace.

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

While the Resident Evil film franchise is beloved by its longtime followers, Cregger recently explained how he'll bring something different and unique to the approach.

During an interview with Inverse, Cregger explained that the movie is a "love letter to the [Resident Evil] games."

"Let me say this: this is not breaking the rules of the games," Cregger tells Inverse. "I am the biggest worshiper of the games, so I’m telling a story that is a love letter to the games and follows the rules of the games."

"It is obedient to the lore of the games, it’s just a different story," Cregger continues. "I’m not going to tell Leon’s story, because Leon’s story is told in the games. [Fans] already have that."

It's an interesting approach from Cregger, and after the success of Barbarian and Weapons, there'll be no shortage of interest in the next movie release from one of the top trending directors in Hollywood.

The new Resident Evil is scheduled to be released on Sept. 18, 2026.