Release Date Announced for the Resident Evil Reboot
The film will be based more on the video games
At last! The release date for the eagerly awaited "Resident Evil" reboot has been announced. According to trade magazine Deadline, the new adventure from Raccoon City will be presented to us on the big screen starting September 18, 2026.
Not many details about the new film are known yet, but one piece of news is already creating great expectations among horror fans: the director of the reboot will be Zach Cregger. This name is likely to be familiar mainly to fans of the genre, as Cregger surprised everyone three years ago with the horror film "Barbarian". Initial sources suggest that his version is more closely based on the video games. Meaning: more horror and suspense.
After six parts of the original film series under Paul W.S. Anderson, a first reboot was attempted in 2021 with "Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City". However, it fell short of expectations and was not as successful as its predecessors. Netflix also tried its hand at the franchise in 2022 with a "Resident Evil" series – but without any success. The series was canceled after just one season and was considered a flop shortly after its release. One can only hope that this new attempt will finally satisfy the fans.
The Resident Evil Animated Movies: A Cinematic Extension of the Cult Franchise
The "Resident Evil" series is one of the best-known survival horror brands in video game history. In addition to the numerous games and the live-action films directed by Paul W.S. Anderson and starring Milla Jovovich, there is also a number of animated movies that are more closely based on the storyline of the games. These CGI films offer action-packed stories with well-known characters and expand the "Resident Evil" universe in an exciting way.
The Animated Movies at a Glance
So far, five animated films have been released that are linked to the content of the video games: "Resident Evil: Degeneration" (2008), "Resident Evil: Damnation" (2012), "Resident Evil: Vendetta" (2017), "Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness" (2021, released as a Netflix series) and "Resident Evil: Death Island" (2023). Each of these movies tells a standalone story, but uses familiar characters such as Leon S. Kennedy, Claire Redfield, Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine.
Resident Evil: Degeneration – The First Animated Film
The first CGI film in the series, "Resident Evil: Degeneration", is set after the events of "Resident Evil 4". Claire Redfield, now a member of the NGO TerraSave, and Leon S. Kennedy, an experienced US government agent, have to stand their ground in an airport against a new T-virus infection. The film offers a mixture of horror and action and ties in directly with the content of the game series.
Resident Evil: Damnation – Political Intrigue and Bioweapons
In "Resident Evil: Damnation", Leon S. Kennedy travels to a fictitious Eastern European country that is shaken by a civil war. There he encounters biological weapons and a new threat from the Las Plagas parasite virus. The film deepens the political element of the franchise and offers numerous action-packed sequences that should delight fans of "Resident Evil 4".
Resident Evil: Vendetta – Fight Against the A-Virus
In "Resident Evil: Vendetta", Leon meets Chris Redfield and Rebecca Chambers to fight a new threat from the A-virus. The antagonist, Glenn Arias, is a ruthless bio-weapons dealer with personal motives. "Vendetta" contains some of the best fight scenes in the series, including a spectacular battle between Leon and a horde of infected in a mansion.
Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness – An Animated Mini-Series
In contrast to the previous films, "Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness" was released as an animated mini-series. The plot once again revolves around Leon S. Kennedy and Claire Redfield, who uncover a conspiracy within the US government. While Leon works for the government, Claire tries to uncover the truth as a member of TerraSave. The series offers a dense atmosphere and expands the political dimension of the series.
Resident Evil: Death Island – A Reunion With Fan Favorites
The latest movie in the series, "Resident Evil: Death Island", brings together several main characters: Leon, Chris, Jill and Claire. The action takes place on Alcatraz, where a new virus outbreak is being investigated. "Death Island" features some of the most spectacular action sequences in the animated series and is a feast for longtime fans as it brings together many iconic characters.
Why are the Animated Films So Popular?
The "Resident Evil" CGI films are popular among fans because they stick closer to the games than the live-action films. Characters, storylines and even fighting styles are based on the video games, which gives the movies a high degree of authenticity. In addition, the animations have become increasingly realistic and impressive over the years. Another point is continuity: while the live-action films have their own timeline, the animated films fit seamlessly into the game story. This makes them particularly interesting for long-time fans of the series.
Conclusion: A Valuable Addition to the Resident Evil Universe
The animated "Resident Evil" films are an exciting addition to the franchise. They combine horror, action and political intrigue and offer a cinematic experience that is much more closely aligned with the games than the live-action adaptations. With elaborate CGI animation and a focus on familiar characters, these movies are a must-see for any fan of the "Resident Evil" series.