After an intense bidding competition, Sony has emerged victorious in acquiring the rights to revive a beloved horror-action film series based on iconic video games. The studio has also secured the collaboration of acclaimed filmmaker Zach Cregger, who is set to breathe new life into this franchise. With a scheduled release date of September 18, 2026, audiences can look forward to a thrilling cinematic experience.
The franchise, initially launched by Sony's Screen Gems label in 2002, recently became available for acquisition, sparking fervent interest among major studios. Ultimately, Sony’s Columbia Pictures banner triumphed, providing a more substantial budget for this ambitious project. Constantin Film, which has held the screen rights since the late 1990s and produced previous films, will partner with PlayStation Productions to bring this reboot to life. Shay Hatten, known for his work on high-profile projects like "John Wick: Chapter 4" and "Army of the Dead," joins as co-writer.
This new chapter in the Resident Evil saga promises innovation and excitement. Cregger's involvement has reignited enthusiasm for the property, previously considered dormant. His breakthrough film "Barbarian" established him as a fresh voice in the horror genre, leading to another bidding frenzy for his follow-up project "Weapons." Scheduled for a January 2026 release, "Weapons" solidified Cregger’s status as a sought-after director. With the backing of Sony and Constantin, the Resident Evil reboot aims to commence filming by summer, setting the stage for an exhilarating return to the world of survival horror.