Resident Evil Movie Will Tell an Original Story Without Leon Kennedy

The upcoming Resident Evil movie is moving forward with a fresh approach, as director Zach Cregger has confirmed that the film will feature an entirely original story and will not include the fan-favorite character Leon S. Kennedy.

Leon S. Kennedy of Resident Evil

Director Confirms Original Storyline

In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, Cregger explained that his vision for the new Resident Evil movie isn’t about rehashing past narratives but instead telling something that feels authentic to his style.

“It’s an entirely original story,” Cregger said. “When you watch it, you’ll be like, ‘This is very Zach.’ It just takes place in the Resident Evil world. I don’t think fans of the games are gonna be bummed.”

Cregger, who previously found success with Barbarian and Weapons, noted that while the film is rooted in the long-running franchise, it will maintain respect for the established canon. Fans can expect the story to feel like a natural fit within the universe while still offering something new.

Leon Kennedy Will Not Appear

One of the biggest reveals from the director was the confirmation that Leon S. Kennedy will not be part of this adaptation. Cregger explained that it would feel “presumptuous” to take such an iconic character and insert him into an entirely new plotline.

“I’m not gonna steal Leon and put him in an original story,” he said. “I respect the games enough to tell a Resident Evil story in the canon that still leaves everything they love intact.”

For long-time fans, this means the core identity of the franchise remains protected, even if the movie takes creative liberties in its execution.

Release Date and Cast

The new Resident Evil movie is currently scheduled for release on September 18, 2026. Much like Cregger’s past projects, plot details remain tightly under wraps.

The film will star Austin Abrams (Brad’s Status, Weapons) in a lead role that Cregger describes as “so right for the role in Resident Evil.” Paul Walter Hauser, known for his recent performance as Mole Man in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, has also joined the cast.

This project marks another attempt to bring Capcom’s survival-horror franchise to the big screen. The most famous adaptation remains the long-running series led by Milla Jovovich, while 2021’s Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City tried to stick closer to the games but struggled at the box office. Netflix also experimented with a live-action drama in 2022, though it was canceled after just one season.