History of Resident Evil (2026 film) in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 24, 2026

The 2026 Resident Evil film project represents the latest cinematic attempt to reboot or continue the long-standing horror franchise originally inspired by Capcom's survival-horror video game series. While specific plot details remain largely under wraps, industry reports suggest the production aims to pivot toward a more faithful adaptation of the games' atmospheric horror, likely moving away from the high-octane action focus of the previous Paul W.S. Anderson films. The project is expected to navigate the complex lore of the Umbrella Corporation, the T-Virus outbreak, and the struggle of iconic characters like Jill Valentine and Leon S. Kennedy to survive the horrors of Raccoon City. By leveraging modern visual effects and contemporary horror trends, the 2026 iteration seeks to revitalize the brand for both nostalgic fans and a new generation of horror enthusiasts, focusing on the claustrophobic dread and biological terror that define the series' roots.

1987: Release of Evil Dead II

The film Evil Dead II was released in 1987, serving as a stylistic comparison for the new Resident Evil project as mentioned by the director in August 2025.

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1998: Original release of Resident Evil 2

In 1998, Capcom released the video game Resident Evil 2, which serves as the foundational narrative setting for the upcoming 2026 film adaptation directed by Zach Cregger.

1999: Release of Resident Evil 3: Nemesis

The video game Resident Evil 3: Nemesis was released in 1999, influencing the creative direction of the 2026 Resident Evil film.

2000: Release of Resident Evil – Code: Veronica

The video game Resident Evil – Code: Veronica was released in 2000, which Johannes Roberts identified in 2021 as a potential source material for a sequel.

2005: Release of Resident Evil 4

Resident Evil 4 was released in 2005 and is considered by director Johannes Roberts as a story he would like to adapt following a Code: Veronica adaptation.

2009: Release of Resident Evil 5

In 2009, the video game Resident Evil 5 was released, which famously featured the iconic boulder-punching scene involving the character Chris Redfield.

2017: Release of Resident Evil 7: Biohazard

The game Resident Evil 7: Biohazard was released in 2017, and in November 2021, Johannes Roberts expressed interest in adapting this title for a future film project.

November 2021: Release of Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City

In November 2021, the film Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City was released, leading the director to discuss future sequel plans involving adaptations of various game titles.

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2021: Release of Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City

In 2021, the film Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City was released, which subsequently faced critical and commercial failure, prompting Constantin Film to reconsider their approach to the franchise.

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June 2022: Tom Hopper discusses sequel potential

As of June 2022, actor Tom Hopper confirmed that production companies Sony and Constantin Film were satisfied with the video-on-demand performance of the film, expressing his personal desire to reprise his role as Albert Wesker.

October 2022: Development status of Resident Evil projects

In October 2022, executive producer Martin Moszkowicz identified the film as one of several projects in development, noting potential plans for a new television series to replace the recently cancelled Netflix adaptation, while expressing caution regarding theatrical releases.

2022: Planning for New Reboot and Cancellation of Netflix Series

During 2022, following the failure of the previous film and the cancellation of the 2022 Netflix television series, Constantin Film began planning a brand-new reboot of the Resident Evil franchise.

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2022: Release of Barbarian

The film Barbarian was released in 2022, a project directed by Zach Cregger that he distinguished from his upcoming Resident Evil work in August 2025.

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April 2023: Production Funding and Direction Rumors for Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles

In April 2023, Raccoon HG Productions secured a CA$2 million grant from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation for the production of Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles, with Greater Sudbury chosen as the filming location. Additionally, reports from journalist Jeff Sneider indicated the studio was considering Zach Cregger to direct the project.

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January 2025: Hiring of Cregger and Partnership with PlayStation Productions

In January 2025, Cregger was officially hired to lead the project, and Sony Pictures' division PlayStation Productions joined the production team for the upcoming reboot.

January 2025: Resident Evil Reboot Announcement

In January 2025, it was announced that Zach Cregger would co-write and direct a reboot of the Resident Evil film series, produced by Constantin Film, PlayStation Productions, and Vertigo Entertainment.

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March 2025: Austin Abrams in talks for Resident Evil role

In March 2025, actor Austin Abrams entered negotiations to join the cast of the 2026 Resident Evil film, following his previous work in the movie Weapons.

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March 2025: Sony Pictures Wins Distribution Rights

In March 2025, it was revealed that Sony Pictures secured the distribution rights for the upcoming Resident Evil film, with Columbia Pictures and TriStar Pictures managing the project.

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August 2025: Director Reveals Original Story Direction

In August 2025, director Zach Cregger confirmed the upcoming film would be an original story set within the Resident Evil universe, opting not to utilize established game characters.

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September 2025: Director's Vision Statement

In September 2025, director Zach Cregger announced that his upcoming Resident Evil film would be a direct adaptation of the video game series rather than a sequel to previous films, specifically drawing inspiration from Resident Evil 2, Resident Evil 3: Nemesis, and Resident Evil 4.

October 10, 2025: Commencement of Principal Photography

On October 10, 2025, the production of the Resident Evil film officially began with principal photography in Prague, featuring Dariusz Wolski as the cinematographer.

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October 2025: Start of Principal Photography

Principal photography for the Resident Evil reboot officially commenced in Prague in October 2025.

February 2026: Film Editing Phase

As of February 2026, the film had moved into the post-production stage, specifically undergoing the editing process.

April 2026: PlayStation Blog Interview

During an April 2026 interview with PlayStation Blog, Zach Cregger clarified that his film would serve as an alternate history set during the Raccoon City outbreak, running concurrently with the narrative of Resident Evil 2 but from a unique perspective.