Zach Cregger's Resident Evil Movie: Get Ready for a Snowy, Lore-Friendly Raccoon City

Forget everything you thought you knew about Raccoon City. The iconic, virus-stricken metropolis from the Resident Evil games is getting a frosty makeover in Zach Cregger's upcoming movie, with new set photos revealing a surprisingly snowy setting for the nightmare to unfold.

TL;DR: Quick Bites of Raccoon City News

• Director Zach Cregger (known for Barbarian) is helming a new, original Resident Evil movie.
• Set photos from Prague show Raccoon City blanketed in artificial snow, hinting at a winter timeline or chilling new atmosphere.
• The film, starring Austin Abrams, Paul Walter Hauser, and Zach Cherry, aims for a September 18, 2026, release and promises to be "obedient to the lore" while telling a fresh story.

A Chilling Return to Raccoon City: Zach Cregger's Vision Unveiled

Imagine the unsettling quiet of a deserted city, now picture it under a fresh blanket of snow, with the only sounds being the crunch of ice underfoot and perhaps, something... else. That's the striking image emerging from the set of Zach Cregger's highly anticipated Resident Evil Movie, currently filming in Prague.

Cregger, the creative force behind the critically acclaimed horror films Barbarian and the recently released Weapons, is taking on one of gaming's most beloved and adapted franchises. His vision, set for a theatrical release on September 18, 2026, promises a fresh, original narrative that still respects the deep lore of the Capcom video games. This is not another direct adaptation of game plots, but rather an expansion of the universe we know, with a distinct, unsettling twist.

The Icy Streets of Prague Become Raccoon City's Winter Wonderland

The streets of Prague, particularly the Karlín district near the Negrelli Viaduct, have been transformed into a surprisingly snowy Raccoon City. Over several nights, from October 29 to November 2, filming involved large-scale action sequences complete with simulated gunfire, explosions, and high-speed stunt driving. City officials even asked residents to keep indoor lights off to maintain the dark, atmospheric visuals needed for these nighttime shoots. Source: [The Prague Reporter, "PHOTOS: ‘Resident Evil’ blankets Prague’s Karlín neighborhood in snow for key action scene," November 3, 2025].

This snowy backdrop is a departure from the typically rain-soaked or perpetually autumnal Raccoon City fans are used to. While some might initially raise an eyebrow at this frosty change, it offers a fresh canvas for horror. Think of classic chilling films where the isolation of winter amplifies the terror – Cregger seems to be leaning into that atmospheric dread, promising a distinct visual flavor for this iteration of the outbreak.

Props spotted on set, like a city map and metro station signs, confirm the Raccoon City setting. An "Oak Street Diner" sign was seen, which could be a subtle nod to Tall Oaks from Resident Evil 6, demonstrating that while the story is new, familiar threads might still be woven into the fabric of this cinematic universe. Additionally, cars with Colorado plates and a "Martin County Sheriff's vehicle" were used, establishing the American Midwest feel while being filmed in Central Europe.

Fresh Faces and Familiar Lore: Who's in This Snowy Nightmare?

Cregger's film won't feature the familiar faces of Leon Kennedy, Jill Valentine, or Claire Redfield, as their stories have already been extensively told in game form. Instead, the movie introduces a new cast of characters to navigate the unfolding horror. Austin Abrams, known for his roles in The Walking Dead and Cregger's own Weapons, takes the lead as Bryan, a laid-back organ courier.

The ensemble cast also includes some exciting names: Paul Walter Hauser (Cobra Kai, Richard Jewell), Zach Cherry (Severance), Kali Reis (True Detective: Night Country), and Johnno Wilson (I Love That for You). Cherry is slated to play a scientist at a hospital, while Reis steps into an ex-military role that was originally written for a male character, promising a dynamic shift to the typical action hero archetype.

• Austin Abrams as Bryan (lead protagonist, an organ courier)
• Paul Walter Hauser (role undisclosed)
• Zach Cherry as a scientist at a hospital
• Kali Reis as an ex-military character
• Johnno Wilson (role undisclosed)

Cregger's Unique Take on a Beloved Franchise

One of the most reassuring aspects for long-time fans is Cregger's clear respect for the source material. He has stated his movie will be "obedient to the lore" of the video games. However, he's also made it clear this won't be a typical Cregger horror film like his previous works, indicating a significant stylistic pivot.

“It’s gonna be not at all like Barbarian and Weapons. It’s going to be a rock ‘em, sock ‘em… it’s for me to play. And turn my brain off and just make an… Evil Dead II… get crazy with the camera. …It’s a weird, fun, wild story. This movie follows a person from point A to point B. It’s like a real time journey, where you just go deeper and deeper into the depths of Hell.”

— Zach Cregger

This description suggests a film that embraces the over-the-top, creature-feature fun that Resident Evil is also known for, alongside its signature dread. Cregger aims to capture the "signature dread" of the games – that feeling of venturing into a dark hallway with dwindling resources, knowing something horrific lurks just out of sight. While it won't be a direct adaptation of specific game characters, it "lives in the world of Resident Evil 2 and 3" and "adheres more to the tone of 4."

Some fans might initially worry that an "entirely original story" with new characters could stray too far from what they love. However, Cregger, a confessed long-time fan of the games, has intentionally avoided watching previous live-action adaptations, viewing it as an advantage. This allows him to approach the material with fresh eyes, focusing purely on what makes the games terrifying and engaging. He believes "the people that are fans of the games are probably going to be stoked," suggesting his approach will resonate deeply with the core audience.

Unpacking the Timeline: When Does This Outbreak Begin?

The artificial snow and the depiction of Raccoon City as an intact, functioning metropolis provide crucial clues about the film's timeline. The original games typically place the main Raccoon City disaster between September 29 and October 1, 1998. The snowy scenes strongly suggest that Cregger's narrative unfolds either in early 1998 or perhaps even earlier, months before the full-blown catastrophe we see in games like Resident Evil 2 and 3.

Cregger clarifies that his movie "exists within game canon" and specifically "unfolds alongside the events of Resident Evil 2." This means we’re not looking at a prequel, but rather a parallel narrative. It’s a smart move: allowing the film to build a new story and character arc without directly interfering with or rewriting the beloved game narratives. Think of it as a terrifying side-quest happening "right over there" while Leon and Claire are dealing with their own nightmare.

Example: Imagine Bryan, the organ courier, struggling through a sudden blizzard, his van breaking down on a remote mountain road. He's rushing to Raccoon City General Hospital, carrying vital cargo. He accidentally hits a figure in the swirling snow – a strange woman who somehow survives, but something is clearly wrong. As he tries to help her, whispers of bizarre infections in the hospital turn into screams as tentacled abominations and bio-engineered horrors emerge from the shadows. This new threat escalates in real-time, just as the T-virus begins its insidious takeover in another part of the unsuspecting city.

The production itself is a significant undertaking. Sony’s TriStar Pictures, Constantin Film, and PlayStation Productions are co-producing, with Constantin Film also co-financing. The Czech Republic is providing substantial support, with CZK 191 million (approximately USD 9.1 million) allocated from the Czech Audiovisual Fund. This reflects an estimated total local spend of CZK 764 million (USD 36 million), showcasing the scale of this international production. Source: [The Prague Reporter, "PHOTOS: ‘Resident Evil’ blankets Prague’s Karlín neighborhood in snow for key action scene," November 3, 2025]. Dariusz Wolski, known for his work on the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise and with Ridley Scott, is handling cinematography, promising stunning visuals.

What This Means for Fans: Practical Takeaways Before 2026

• Expect a Fresh but Familiar Feel: This isn't a retread. Cregger is building an original story within the established lore, aiming to capture the game's essence without mimicking its plots.
• Prepare for a Different Raccoon City: The snowy, winter setting is a major visual departure. It promises a unique atmosphere that could enhance the horror and sense of isolation.
• Look for Easter Eggs, Not Main Characters: Don't anticipate seeing Leon or Jill, but keep an eye out for nods to the game universe, like the "Oak Street Diner" or familiar city landmarks on maps.
• Anticipate Atmospheric Action-Horror: Cregger's past work suggests a strong handle on dread, but his comments about "rock 'em, sock 'em" and "Evil Dead II" imply a more kinetic, creature-filled ride than previous film attempts.
• Mark Your Calendars: The September 18, 2026, release date gives us plenty of time to re-play the games and speculate on what horrors await in Cregger's chilling vision.

FAQs: Your Burning Questions About the New Resident Evil Movie

When is the new Resident Evil movie coming out? The film is scheduled for a theatrical release on September 18, 2026. Is this movie based on a specific Resident Evil game? No, director Zach Cregger has stated it's an "entirely original story" with new characters, but it will be "obedient to the lore" and exist within the world of Resident Evil 2 and 3, with the tone of 4. Where is the new Resident Evil movie being filmed? Principal photography is underway in Prague, Czechia, which is being transformed into a snowy Raccoon City for the production. Will fan-favorite characters like Leon, Claire, or Jill appear? Cregger has confirmed that the movie will not feature characters from the games, as their stories have already been told. It will focus on new protagonists within the established universe.

Sources

• JoBlo.com, "Images from the set of Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil take us to a snowy Raccoon City," Posted 1 day ago.
• The Prague Reporter, "PHOTOS: ‘Resident Evil’ blankets Prague’s Karlín neighborhood in snow for key action scene," November 3, 2025.
• SlashFilm, "Zach Cregger's Resident Evil Will Be Adding Its Own Twist To The Mythos," Published November 4, 2025.
• GamesRadar+, "Zach Cregger's Resident Evil movie is now filming in Prague – and new set photos suggest we're getting a snow-filled Raccoon City that's giving us more than a whiff of Code Veronica," Published November 4, 2025.
• Insider Gaming, "Raccoon City to Appear in Resident Evil Film, According to Set Photos," Published November 6, 2025.
• TwistedVoxel, "First Images From The Set Of The Upcoming Resident Evil Movie Have Allegedly Been Revealed," Published November 6, 2025.
• GamePur, "Resident Evil movie set photos reveal a snow-covered Raccoon City," Published November 7, 2025.
• Push Square, "Resident Evil Reboot Set Photos Give Us a Glimpse of a Snowy Raccoon City," Published November 4, 2025.
• The Geekiverse, "Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil Reboot: First Set Photos Reveal Raccoon City," Published November 6, 2025.