Resident Evil Reboot Draws Unlikely Inspiration from War Film

September 22, 2026 - 20:53

Director Zach Cregger has revealed that an Oscar-nominated war movie served as a surprising creative touchstone for his upcoming adaptation of the Resident Evil video game franchise. The filmmaker, known for helming the horror hit Barbarian, explained that the intense, continuous-take approach of 1917 shaped how he envisioned the survival horror experience on screen.

In a recent interview, Cregger described the project with a vivid comparison, saying, "It's like if Evil Dead and 1917 were its parents." The statement captures the blend of claustrophobic terror and relentless forward momentum he aims to bring to the long-running zombie series.

The original Resident Evil games built their reputation on tight corridors, limited resources, and a constant sense of dread. Cregger appears intent on translating that feeling into a cinematic language that borrows from both classic horror and modern war films, where danger lurks around every corner and escape is never guaranteed.

Fans of the franchise have waited years for a version that stays true to the games' tense atmosphere. With Cregger at the helm and an unexpected source of inspiration guiding his vision, the reboot may offer a fresh perspective on a story that has already seen multiple film and television interpretations. Production details and a release window have not yet been announced.