When the latest Resident Evil reboot hit cinemas, I was skeptical, given the underwhelming reception of the 2021 version. However, the film’s director, Zach Cregger, brought fresh energy to the franchise, reviving it with a unique blend of horror, humor, and over-the-top gore. This success highlights how a franchise can be reborn with the right approach.

The original Resident Evil game, first released in 1996, was a massive hit, sparking a wave of sequels, comics, and a film series directed by Paul W.S. Anderson. Despite commercial success, these films often failed to live up to fan expectations. The 2021 reboot, ‘Welcome to Raccoon City,’ was critically panned and struggled at the box office.

Enter Cregger, who approached the project with a clear vision. His film is an original story set in the Resident Evil universe, focusing on a single protagonist’s journey. Cregger emphasised the film’s simplicity, stating it would avoid narrative complexities and time jumps, allowing the audience to focus on the protagonist’s perilous journey.

This approach paid off, resulting in a film that caters to both long-time fans and newcomers. Cregger’s unique take on the franchise could set a new standard for gaming adaptations in cinema, proving that when done right, the genre can deliver more than just a straightforward adaptation.