New Resident Evil movie ignores Leon S. Kennedy for original vision

The next film in the Resident Evil universe is in production, and with it comes a decision that will certainly divide the fan base. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly magazine, director Zach Cregger confirmed that the project, set to premiere on September 18, 2026, will not feature one of the franchise's most beloved characters, Leon S. Kennedy.

The absence of Leon S. Kennedy is a point of concern for many, as the character is a cornerstone of the game series. Cregger's decision to move away from the most iconic figures to focus on new characters raises questions about the direction of the film. He justified the choice as a way to avoid an approach he considered "presumptuous," a view that, for some, can be interpreted as a comment on previous attempts to adapt the saga.

Despite the omission, Cregger promises that the essence of Resident Evil will be maintained. The narrative will be original, but will draw inspiration from the elements that characterize the game series: the survival atmosphere, constant tension, and horror atmosphere. The idea, according to him, is to offer a new vision for the universe without compromising the spirit of the saga. This positioning aims to reassure fans that the new film, even with new characters, will not be a total deviation from the original material.

The film will feature a fresh cast, including actors Austin Abrams and Paul Walter Hauser, bringing new characters to life in this universe. The choice of an original story, rather than a direct adaptation of one of the games, allows Cregger more creative freedom to explore the corners of the Resident Evil mythology in a way previous films have not done.

The Resident Evil film series has a history of mixed results, ranging from box office successes to critical disappointments. Previous adaptations, which often took significant creative liberties with the plot and characters, ended up frustrating a considerable portion of the fan base. Cregger's gamble on an original story without the most recognizable classic characters can be seen as both a bold risk and an attempt to avoid past mistakes.

Zach Cregger's decision to leave Leon S. Kennedy out of the next Resident Evil film is a high-risk move. The absence of a franchise icon will be a point of debate for fans, but the promise of an original story with new characters and a focus on the essence of horror and survival of the saga may be the necessary vision to revitalize the franchise on screen.