Capcom says Leon does not fit the horror atmosphere of Resident Evil Requiem
In the June 2025 Capcom Spotlight, Capcom finally showcased a “little” gameplay for Resident Evil Requiem (Resident Evil 9).
The atmosphere feels very tense: Grace Ashcroft is seen exploring a dark area with minimal lighting; a mix between first and third-person perspectives has been shown allowing players to choose their preferred style.
Many gamers wonder why an iconic character like Leon S. Kennedy is not the protagonist. Capcom has a strong answer for this.
"We've always thought about making Leon the protagonist, but making a horror game around him is difficult... No one wants to see Leon scared of every little thing. So, he actually doesn't fit horror."
Koshi Nakanishi revealed Leon is a “bad match” for the concept of addictive fear, which emphasizes deep fear from a vulnerable character—something that would be hard to achieve if the figure is Leon, who is famously badass.
Grace Ashcroft, an FBI analyst used to working behind a desk, was chosen to reflect real helplessness and make the horror atmosphere feel more personal. This reinforces the survival over action nuance, where players also feel the character's fear.
Leon’s capabilities in horror games would be distracted by his strong reputation. Capcom wants players to feel scared and vulnerable, not calmly fight monsters.
Although not the main character, it does not mean Leon won’t appear. Capcom opens the possibility for a secondary role or playable mode, similar to Chris Redfield in Village. This means there is still a chance for Leon to appear in dramatic or action moments, but the main focus remains on the atmosphere building real fear through Grace.
