Early Buzz: Cregger's 'Resident Evil' Reboot Wows Fantastic Fest Crowd
Sony's second reboot of the 'Resident Evil' franchise premiered at Fantastic Fest, with early social media reactions praising its relentless horror and gore. Directed by Zach Cregger, the film stars Austin Abrams as a medical courier caught in a viral outbreak in Raccoon City. Full reviews are embargoed until Sept. 16, and the movie opens globally on Sept. 18.
The premiere marks the franchise's second attempt at a fresh start, following the poorly received 2021 reboot *Welcome to Raccoon City* and the cancellation of Netflix's television adaptation after a single season in 2022. The original Milla Jovovich-led series spanned six films from 2002 to 2016, establishing the property's long theatrical history.
Early social media responses emphasize Cregger's stylistic approach, with multiple attendees citing claustrophobic camerawork, minimalist sound design, and a blend of humor with sustained tension. The film returns to Raccoon City and centers on Austin Abrams as a medical courier navigating a viral outbreak, with supporting performances from Zach Cherry, Kali Reis, and Paul Walter Hauser.
This reboot's reception could influence how studios approach video game adaptations, particularly regarding directorial vision versus franchise fidelity. If the film succeeds commercially, it may reinforce the trend of granting horror specialists creative latitude within established properties. The September theatrical release also positions it as a test of whether genre films can draw audiences outside traditional horror season windows, potentially affecting future scheduling decisions for similar projects.