No Leon in RE9? Director Says He's Too Fearless for Horror-Centric Requiem
- Sagar Mankar
- Jun 27
- 3 min read
Capcom has officially confirmed that Resident Evil Requiem (RE9) will not feature longtime series icon Leon S. Kennedy as its lead character. Instead, the game introduces Grace Ashcroft, an FBI intelligence analyst designed to embody the series’ renewed focus on survival horror.
The announcement came during the recent Capcom Spotlight 2025, where the publisher unveiled new gameplay footage and shared insight into the game’s direction. Fans tuning in may have expected a surprise Leon appearance, especially after spotting subtle clues in earlier trailers — like a familiar truck parked outside the ruins of the Raccoon City Police Department. But Capcom used this opportunity to clear the air, explaining why Leon isn’t leading this particular entry.
According to Resident Evil Requiem director Koshi Nakanishi, the choice to sideline Leon wasn’t random. "The protagonist this time is an intelligence analyst for the FBI, Grace Ashcroft," he stated. “She’s introverted and easily scared, which is a new type of character for the Resident Evil series. We wanted someone that experiences horror from the same perspective as the player.”
This shift in tone is a deliberate one. Nakanishi added that Grace is capable and trained with firearms, but she’s no action hero. Her fear and hesitation are part of the game’s storytelling, allowing players to grow with her as she learns to manage fear while investigating a deeply unsettling environment. This direction simply wouldn’t work with Leon, who is already a seasoned monster-slayer. “He wouldn’t jump at a bucket falling. No one wants to see Leon scared by every little thing. So he’s actually quite a bad match for horror,” Nakanishi explained (Thanks IGN).
While this doesn’t confirm Leon is completely absent from the game, it strongly suggests he won’t play a central role — at least not as a playable protagonist. That said, Capcom was careful not to explicitly rule out a cameo or supporting appearance. With more than half a year to go before launch, it’s possible the publisher is saving some surprises for later.
As for gameplay, Capcom showed first-person exploration in dimly lit environments, with Ashcroft navigating eerie corridors armed only with a lighter or handgun. There was also a short section of third-person gameplay, allowing a broader view of the action.
Capcom has confirmed that players can switch between first- and third-person modes at any time via the in-game options menu. According to the developers, third-person view is “great for people who enjoy action-heavy gameplay,” offering flexibility for different play styles.
The story of Resident Evil Requiem is set 30 years after the missile strike on Raccoon City, which wiped out the zombie-infested town at the end of Resident Evil 3. While Ashcroft’s journey is fresh, the game clearly pays homage to past events and characters.
Given the studio’s track record, it wouldn’t be surprising if Leon does pop up in some capacity, whether as a narrative foil, secret unlockable, or late-game surprise. But for now, the focus is firmly on Grace Ashcroft and a return to core horror gameplay.
Resident Evil Requiem launches on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S on February 27, 2026.
You can watch the Resident Evil Requiem Creator's message at Capcom Spotlight below:
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