Zach Cregger's Resident Evil Unleashes a Chillingly Snowy Raccoon City

Get ready for a frosty dose of horror! New set photos confirm director Zach Cregger is bringing an iconic location back to life, but with a surprising winter twist.

TL;DR: The Essentials You Need to Know

• Zach Cregger's (of Barbarian fame) new Resident Evil film is currently shooting in Prague.
• Recently released set photos reveal a snow-covered Raccoon City, strongly implying a timeline set before the major outbreaks.
• The movie promises an original story with new characters, aiming to capture the authentic survival-horror tone of the beloved games.

Raccoon City Like You've Never Seen It: Under a Blanket of Snow

Imagine Raccoon City, that infamous hub of Umbrella Corporation's unspeakable horrors, not shrouded in oppressive summer humidity, but blanketed in a pristine, yet ominous, layer of snow. That's precisely the visual we're getting from the first set photos of Zach Cregger's upcoming Resident Evil Movie, currently filming in Prague.

These tantalizing glimpses, shared by Residence of Evil on Twitter and various news outlets, showcase Prague's streets meticulously transformed. We see burnt-out cars dusted with artificial snow, police vehicles, and even a familiar Raccoon City map at a bus shelter, signaling the film’s iconic setting. One notable detail? An "Oak Street Diner" sign, a potential nod to Tall Oaks from Resident Evil 6, replacing a local Prague restaurant.

Unraveling the Timeline of This Fresh Outbreak Narrative

The presence of snow isn't just a cool aesthetic choice; it's a significant hint about the film's place in the broader Resident Evil canon. Historically, the seminal events of the games – from the Spencer Mansion incident to the city's eventual destruction – unfold primarily in the summer and fall of 1998. The original Resident Evil and Resident Evil 0 take place in July 1998, with the Raccoon City disaster culminating in late September and early October of that year.

A snowy Raccoon City, with its infrastructure still largely intact, suggests this film is set much earlier, likely in the spring of 1998 or even prior. This allows for a fresh narrative perspective, exploring the insidious beginnings of Umbrella's influence or an early, contained outbreak, long before Chris Redfield, Jill Valentine, or Leon S. Kennedy stepped onto the scene. Source: The Prague Reporter, "PHOTOS: ‘Resident Evil’ blankets Prague’s Karlín neighborhood in snow for key action scene," November 3, 2025.

Director Zach Cregger's Vision: An Original Story Rooted in Game Lore

Zach Cregger, celebrated for his unique horror hits like Barbarian and Weapons, is taking the directorial reins, and he's made his intentions clear: this isn't a direct adaptation of any single game. Instead, he’s crafting an entirely original story that exists within the established Resident Evil universe.

Cregger shared his passion, stating, "It's an entirely original story. When you watch it, you'll be like, 'This is very Zach.' It's just [that] it takes place in the Resident Evil world. I don't think fans of the games are gonna be bummed." He emphasizes that the film will be "true to the experience of the games," aiming to capture that visceral dread of descending "deeper and deeper and deeper into hell." Source: 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," November 4, 2025.

"It's an entirely original story. When you watch it, you'll be like, 'This is very Zach.' It's just [that] it takes place in the Resident Evil world. I don't think fans of the games are gonna be bummed."— Zach Cregger on his vision for the new Resident Evil film.

Cregger, a self-proclaimed fan of the games, has explicitly stated he hasn't even watched the previous Resident Evil film adaptations. This deliberate distance allows him to approach the source material with fresh eyes, focusing on the atmosphere and pacing that made the games so iconic. He mentioned that the film "lives in the world of Resident Evil 2 and 3" but "adheres more to the tone of 4," hinting at a blend of classic Raccoon City horror with more action-oriented sequences.

The Cast and Creative Team Bringing Raccoon City to Life

Leading this new cinematic journey is Austin Abrams, known for his roles in The Walking Dead and Cregger's own Weapons. While his character's name hasn't been officially confirmed, a rumored logline suggests Abrams might play Bryan, a laid-back organ courier whose late-night delivery to Raccoon City General Hospital turns into a nightmare after a snowy road accident. He's joined by an exciting ensemble cast.

The supporting cast includes Paul Walter Hauser (Black Bird, Cobra Kai), Zach Cherry (Severance) reportedly playing a scientist, Kali Reis (True Detective: Night Country) as an ex-military character, and Johnno Wilson (Twisted Metal). Behind the camera, Dariusz Wolski, a seasoned cinematographer known for his work with Ridley Scott and on the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, is serving as director of photography, promising stunning visuals.

Prague Transforms into the Epicenter of Horror: Filming Details

The production is making extensive use of Prague's versatile architecture, transforming its streets into a convincing American locale. Specifically, the Karlín neighborhood of Prague 8 has been the site of major action sequences. From October 29 to November 2, filming involved artificial snow, simulated gunfire, explosions, and high-speed vehicle stunts, primarily during night hours (3 p.m. to 3 a.m. daily).

Local production company Stillking Films, responsible for bringing blockbusters like The Gray Man and Spider-Man: Far From Home to Czechia, is managing the shoot. The project has also received significant financial support, with CZK 191 million (approximately USD 9.1 million) from the Czech Audiovisual Fund, reflecting an estimated total local spend of CZK 764 million (USD 36 million). Filming is slated to continue through January, ensuring a lengthy and intricate production process. Source: The Prague Reporter, "PHOTOS: ‘Resident Evil’ blankets Prague’s Karlín neighborhood in snow for key action scene," November 3, 2025.

Addressing Expectations: New Faces in a Familiar World

One common concern with new adaptations, especially for a beloved franchise like Resident Evil, is the choice to introduce original characters rather than relying on established heroes like Leon Kennedy or Jill Valentine. Some fans worry this might alienate long-time players who crave to see their favorite game protagonists on the big screen again.

However, Cregger is confident in his approach, believing that by setting an original story within the existing lore and timeline, he avoids contradicting the games. This strategy allows the film to carve out its own niche without competing directly with the game narratives, offering a fresh angle while still respecting the universe. It’s a delicate balance: providing something new while ensuring it still feels like Resident Evil.

Another limitation often cited is the patchy track record of video game adaptations. Many attempts have fallen flat, leading to a general skepticism among audiences. The risk is always there that this film, despite Cregger's promising vision, could become another entry in a long list of disappointments.

Yet, Cregger's method presents a compelling counterpoint. By not attempting a direct, beat-for-beat adaptation, he gains creative freedom. He's not trying to visually recreate a game cutscene; instead, he's building on the atmosphere and core tenets of survival horror that make the games so terrifying. This focus on "the experience" rather than just "the story" might be the fresh perspective the franchise needs on film.

A Hypothetical Encounter in Snowy Raccoon City

Imagine you’re Bryan, the organ courier, navigating those icy, narrow Prague streets, transformed into Raccoon City. The artificial snow muffles the city sounds, lending an eerie quiet to the usually bustling urban landscape. Your headlights cut through the gloom, illuminating a burned-out car half-buried in a drift, then a police cruiser, seemingly abandoned. You scoff, thinking it's just a local incident, until a shadow moves, impossibly fast, just at the edge of your vision. The quiet suddenly feels heavier, colder, and you realize the snow isn't just a pretty backdrop; it's a silent shroud for something far more sinister. This is the kind of immediate, personal horror Cregger seems to be aiming for.

Practical Takeaways for Fans Eager for the New Resident Evil Film

• Mark Your Calendars for a Chilly Release: The new Resident Evil film is slated to hit theaters on September 18, 2026.
• Embrace a Fresh Narrative in a Familiar Setting: Expect an entirely original story and characters, but firmly rooted within the iconic, now snow-covered, Raccoon City.
• Anticipate Authentic Game Tone, Not Direct Adaptation: Director Zach Cregger is committed to capturing the survival-horror dread and pacing of the games, rather than retelling existing plotlines.
• Prepare for High-Octane Action with a Dark Edge: With Cregger's style and reports of gunfire, explosions, and stunt driving, this film promises intense sequences.

Frequently Asked Questions About the New Resident Evil Movie

When is Zach Cregger's Resident Evil movie coming out?

The new Resident Evil movie is scheduled for release on September 18, 2026, in U.S. theaters.

Will the new Resident Evil movie feature characters from the games?

No, director Zach Cregger has confirmed that the film will tell an entirely original story with new characters. It will exist within the game world but won't feature iconic protagonists like Leon, Jill, or Chris.

Where is the new Resident Evil movie being filmed?

Filming is underway in Prague, Czechia, with various locations, particularly the Karlín neighborhood, being transformed to represent a snow-covered Raccoon City.

What is the new Resident Evil movie about?

While full plot details are under wraps, a rumored logline suggests it follows an organ courier named Bryan who stumbles into a full-blown outbreak involving horrifying mutations after an accident on a snowy mountain road in Raccoon City.

Sources

• The Prague Reporter, "PHOTOS: ‘Resident Evil’ blankets Prague’s Karlín neighborhood in snow for key action scene," November 3, 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," November 4, 2025.
• IGN, "Zach Cregger's Resident Evil Movie Set in Raccoon City, Production Photos Reveal, With Hints to Place in the Timeline," November 4, 2025.