Cregger's 'Resident Evil' Reboot Earns Rave Reviews Before Sept. 18 Release

Key points

• The world premiere of 'Resident Evil' took place at The United Theater in Los Angeles on September 15, 2026.
• Austin Abrams leads the cast as Bryan, a medical courier caught in a viral outbreak, alongside Zach Cherry, Kali Reis, and Paul Walter Hauser.
• Critics described the film as a 'cinematic spectacle' and one of the best video game adaptations ever made, praising its blend of horror and comedy.
• The film does not feature established characters from the video game series, a decision that initially drew criticism from some fans but was defended by Cregger as necessary for an original story.
• Cregger made adjustments to the film after test screenings, removing several jokes to improve the balance between humor and tension.
• The movie is scheduled to open in theaters globally on September 18, 2026, following a screening at Fantastic Fest on September 17.

Background

This is the second reboot of the 'Resident Evil' franchise, following the 2021 film 'Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City,' which was a commercial and critical failure. The original series, led by Milla Jovovich, ran from 2002 to 2016. A Netflix series was also canceled after one season in 2022. The franchise has collectively grossed over $1.2 billion at the global box office.

How outlets are covering it

The Hollywood Reporter and Variety both highlight the overwhelmingly positive early reactions to the film, with critics calling it a 'gloriously gory' and 'relentless' experience. Both outlets note that the film's omission of familiar game characters was a point of contention for some fans, but Cregger has defended this choice as necessary for creating an original story. Deadline focuses on the red carpet premiere and the cast's attendance, while also noting Cregger's comments about the fast writing process and the ease of developing the script. All three outlets agree that the film is a significant improvement over previous adaptations and is likely to perform well at the box office.

Why it matters

The success of 'Resident Evil' could signal a new direction for video game adaptations in Hollywood, showing that it is possible to create a faithful yet original story without relying on established characters. The film's positive reception also suggests that audiences are willing to embrace new interpretations of beloved franchises, as long as they capture the essence of the source material. Additionally, the film's success could impact the future of the 'Resident Evil' franchise, potentially leading to more adaptations or sequels.

What to watch

The film is set to open in theaters globally on September 18, 2026. Full reviews are expected to be released on September 16, 2026. The film will also screen at the 2026 Fantastic Fest on September 17. Box office performance and audience reception will be key indicators of the film's success and its potential impact on the franchise.