Resident Evil Movie Director Reveals How RE4 and RE7 Shaped the Film

Ever wondered what it would be like to step into the shoes of a Resident Evil character? Director Zach Cregger did, and he’s bringing that feeling to the big screen. In a recent Reddit AMA, Cregger spilled the beans on how the games—especially Resident Evil 4 and 7—shaped his upcoming movie.

Cregger didn’t just borrow plot points; he borrowed the very way you see the world. “I feel like the biggest inspiration for this was the games, and I mean cinematically,” he said. For him, the third-person and first-person cameras in games create a deep immersion, making you learn spaces alongside the character. That’s exactly the vibe he wanted for the film, following medical courier Bryan (played by Austin Abrams) on his harrowing journey.

But it’s not just about camera angles. Cregger choreographed scenes to “train the viewer” early on, so you’ll instinctively understand how to experience the movie. It’s like learning the controls before the action heats up.

He also drew from Resident Evil 7’s theme of an ordinary person pushed to their limits. Bryan isn’t a trained soldier; he’s just a guy caught in a nightmare. That relatable vulnerability is key to the horror.

And for the movie’s pacing? That’s pure Resident Evil 4. “RE4 has the rhythm that I really like,” Cregger explained. “You’re moving from set piece to set piece, location to location—village, castle, island. It keeps giving and giving.” He wanted that same sense of scale and momentum, taking audiences on a wild ride through different terrifying environments.

The result? A fast-paced, “f**ked up and weird” horror experience that hits theaters on September 18. If you’re a fan of the games, you’ll likely spot those visual cues and maybe even feel like you’re holding the controller.

Will you be grabbing your popcorn for this one? Let us know if you’re excited to see how the games translate to the big screen!