Resident Evil Film Trailer by Zach Cregger Officially Released, Showcases New Story

In the trailer, viewers are introduced to a new main character named Bryan, played by Austin Abrams. Based on the official synopsis, Bryan is a medical courier who unintentionally gets dragged into a chaotic survival situation when one terrifying night turns into a nightmare filled with zombies and danger in Raccoon City.

Cregger seems to aim for an approach that feels closer to the experience of playing the Resident Evil game. In his interview with PlayStation Blog, he explained that he was drawn to the resource conservation element, including the tension when players have to count bullets and healing items, then carefully move from one location to another. He also mentioned that the film would indirectly be set in the world of Resident Evil 2, but it would still tell a story about different characters from the main game narrative.

The trailer also confirms that this film is not just a retelling of the game. Cregger stated that he didn't want to retell Leon's story, as he believed it had already been well-told in the game. Instead, he chose to present an original story that still feels like it's set in the Resident Evil world, complete with location changes, new threats, and a survival horror atmosphere that constantly pressures the main character.

In terms of tone, the trailer showcases a series of dark and gripping scenes, ranging from a journey through the snow, a silent house, underground corridors, to situations filled with the living dead and bodies moving on their own. GamesRadar noted that the film still carries the signature Resident Evil elements like zombies, traversing various locations, and weapon usage that feels very "game-like."