Resident evil fans question trailer's deviation from source material

The initial fan response to Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil trailer has been…complicated. While some are cautiously optimistic about the film’s horror potential, a significant contingent of viewers are voicing concerns that the trailer bears little resemblance to the beloved video game franchise. The question now isn't whether it's scary, but whether it's Resident Evil.

A director's vision, but at what cost?

Cregger has been vocal about his desire to create a standalone horror film inspired by Resident Evil, rather than a direct adaptation. He’s explicitly stated his intention to avoid replicating elements already present in the games, arguing that fans can simply play those games for that experience. Capcom, the game developer, has reportedly given Cregger creative freedom to pursue this vision, essentially granting him a blank canvas. But the resulting trailer has left many wondering if the IP is being utilized effectively.

The immediate outcry on social media paints a clear picture. One user bluntly asked, “What’s the point of using the IP?” Another succinctly summarized the sentiment: “This looks more like a 28 Days Later spinoff than anything Resident Evil.” The recurring chorus of “Doesn’t look like Resident Evil at all” speaks to a core expectation—a certain iconography—that seems to be missing. As one particularly passionate fan, Ivan, wrote, “You need to have some Resident Evil in your Resident Evil movie adaptation. Where’s the RPD? Where’s Umbrella? Where's even some familiar game music?”

There were, however, pockets of appreciation. The unsettling glimpse of limbs emerging from a doorway and the snowy depiction of what appears to be Raccoon City (though not explicitly labeled as such) garnered some praise. IGN’s recent set visit revealed that the film will feature recognizable weapons, locations, and even the coveted green herbs—elements conspicuously absent from the trailer. This suggests a deeper connection to the lore than initially appears.

Cregger himself seems aware of the potential backlash. He recently acknowledged that