Zach Cregger's Resident Evil Unveils a Chilling, Snow-Dusted Raccoon City

Forget the rain-slicked streets you remember; Zach Cregger's upcoming Resident Evil Movie is transforming Prague into a remarkably snowy, action-packed Raccoon City, hinting at a fresh take on the iconic zombie-infested locale.

The Essentials: What You Need to Know About the New Resident Evil Film's Production

• Filming for the new Resident Evil adaptation is underway in Prague, Czechia, with large-scale action sequences featuring artificial snow, gunfire, and vehicle stunts.
• Director Zach Cregger (known for Barbarian and Weapons) aims for an original story set within the game's lore, focusing on survival horror rather than adapting specific game plots or characters.
• The movie, starring Austin Abrams, Kali Reis, and Paul Walter Hauser, is scheduled for a U.S. release on September 18, 2026.

Imagine stepping out into a city blanketed in a pristine, albeit artificial, layer of snow, only to be met with the eerie quiet before an explosion. That's precisely the scene that unfolded recently in Prague's Karlín district, which has been meticulously dressed to double as the infamous Raccoon City for Zach Cregger's new Resident Evil film. The sight of snow-covered streets, burnt-out cars, and tell-tale city maps has sent a clear message: this isn't your average Raccoon City.

Production for this highly anticipated adaptation, which kicked off in mid-October and is slated to run through January, is making waves not just for its scale but also for its intriguing visual choices. The Karlín shoot, in particular, saw streets adjacent to the Negrelli Viaduct transformed into a winter wonderland for intense action sequences, primarily filmed under the cloak of night from October 29 to November 2. This chilly aesthetic immediately stands out from the typically overcast, rainy depictions of Raccoon City we've seen in the games.

A Director's Vision: Blending Familiar Lore with an Original Narrative

Zach Cregger, the creative force behind the critically acclaimed horror films Barbarian and Weapons, is at the helm, and his approach to Resident Evil is generating considerable buzz. He has made it clear that while his film will tell an entirely original story, it will remain "true to the experience of the games" and be "obedient to the lore." This is a significant distinction, setting it apart from previous film adaptations that often reinterpreted character arcs or central narratives.

Cregger hasn't even watched the prior Resident Evil Movies, stating candidly, "That's just not my thing." Instead, his focus is squarely on honoring the game universe, particularly drawing from the worlds of Resident Evil 2 and 3, while also aiming for the intense tone of Resident Evil 4. This suggests a blend of the oppressive, outbreak-era atmosphere with the more action-oriented, psychological horror elements that later defined the series.

“All I can say is that it is true to the experience of the games. It follows one protagonist from point A to point B as they just descend deeper and deeper and deeper into hell. I just feel like I know how that pacing can go and it’s inherently cinematic.”

— Zach Cregger, Director of Resident Evil

Raccoon City Reimagined: Snowy Streets and Subtle Nods to Game Lore

The set photos offer tantalizing clues about Cregger's vision. Beyond the artificial snow that coated Jirsíkova and Malého streets, observers spotted familiar elements like Raccoon City maps and metro station signs on a bus shelter. Even a local Prague eatery, Indian by Nature, was temporarily rebranded as the "Oak Street Diner," a potential Easter egg for fans of the games (perhaps a subtle nod to Tall Oaks from Resident Evil 6). Source: [The Prague Reporter, "PHOTOS: ‘Resident Evil’ blankets Prague’s Karlín neighborhood in snow for key action scene", November 3, 2025].

One interesting detail includes cars with Colorado license plates and a "Martin County Sheriff's vehicle," despite there being no real Martin County in Colorado. This playful disregard for geographical accuracy is a common cinematic trick, allowing Prague to convincingly stand in for a generic American setting, much like it has for countless other international productions. Source: [The Prague Reporter, "PHOTOS: ‘Resident Evil’ blankets Prague’s Karlín neighborhood in snow for key action scene", November 3, 2025].

The decision to set the film in a snowy Raccoon City presents a unique visual and atmospheric twist. Traditionally, the city is depicted with a more temperate climate, often associated with perpetual rain or the oppressive heat of late summer/early autumn. A winter setting instantly evokes a different kind of dread, reminiscent of classic horror like The Shining or The Thing, where isolation and frigid temperatures compound the terror. It promises fresh opportunities for the series, even if it means departing from the usual aesthetic.

A Lone Courier's Descent into Hell: Plot Whispers and Cast Details

While specific plot details are tightly under wraps, a supposed logline has circulated, painting a picture of a harrowing journey. It suggests the story centers on Bryan, a "laid-back organ courier," whose late-night delivery to Raccoon City General Hospital takes a dark turn. After accidentally hitting a mysterious woman on a snowy mountain road, Bryan stumbles into a full-blown outbreak, facing "horrifying tentacle-based mutations and bio-engineered monstrosities."

This premise aligns perfectly with Cregger's stated desire for a "real time journey" that delves "deeper and deeper into the depths of Hell." Austin Abrams, known for his roles in The Walking Dead and Cregger’s own Weapons, leads the cast as this courier. He's joined by an impressive ensemble, including Zach Cherry (Severance) reportedly playing a hospital scientist, Kali Reis (True Detective: Night Country) as an ex-military character, Johnno Wilson (Twisted Metal), and Paul Walter Hauser (Black Bird, Richard Jewell).

Cregger's choice to feature an original protagonist rather than established game heroes like Leon Kennedy or Jill Valentine is a deliberate one. He believes their stories have already been told in game form and aims to explore new corners of the Resident Evil universe through fresh eyes. This allows him to play within the sandbox of the lore without being constrained by existing character arcs, offering a genuine "reboot" rather than a mere retread.

The Prague Connection: A Major Production with Global Ambition

Czechia continues to be a magnet for major international film productions, and Resident Evil is no exception. Local production company Stillking Films, which has an extensive track record with Hollywood projects like The Gray Man and Spider-Man: Far From Home, is managing the local shoot. According to Lukáš Škoda of Stillking, Czechia's architectural diversity and adaptable urban locations make it an ideal stand-in for various global cities. Source: [The Prague Reporter, "PHOTOS: ‘Resident Evil’ blankets Prague’s Karlín neighborhood in snow for key action scene", November 3, 2025].

The scale of the production is substantial. Nighttime filming in Karlín ran from 3 p.m. to 3 a.m. daily over several days, involving extensive special effects, including simulated gunfire and high-speed vehicle stunts. Residents received notices detailing street closures and even requesting that indoor lights remain off during filming to maintain the dark, atmospheric visuals required for the nighttime action. Source: [The Prague Reporter, "PHOTOS: ‘Resident Evil’ blankets Prague’s Karlín neighborhood in snow for key action scene", November 3, 2025].

For example, imagine a resident of Jirsíkova Street, initially a bit miffed about the street closure and the request to keep their lights off. But then, they step outside at dusk and see the artificial snow falling, the police cars with "Martin County Sheriff" emblazoned on them, and the crew meticulously setting up for a high-octane car chase. They might find themselves momentarily forgetting their inconvenience, instead becoming an unwitting witness to the creation of Raccoon City's chilling winter. This glimpse behind the curtain turns the minor disruption into a unique neighborhood spectacle.

The Czech Audiovisual Fund has supported the production with CZK 191 million (approximately USD 9.1 million), reflecting an estimated total local spend of CZK 764 million (USD 36 million). This significant investment underscores the film's international scope and its economic impact on the region. The production is co-produced by Sony’s TriStar Pictures, Constantin Film, and PlayStation Productions, ensuring a wide reach for its U.S. release on September 18, 2026. Source: [The Prague Reporter, "PHOTOS: ‘Resident Evil’ blankets Prague’s Karlín neighborhood in snow for key action scene", November 3, 2025].

Navigating the Timeline: When Does This Outbreak Happen?

The snowy, yet seemingly intact, Raccoon City depicted in the set photos offers a crucial clue about the film's place in the broader Resident Evil timeline. Fans know that Raccoon City met its fiery end with a missile strike at the conclusion of Resident Evil 3, which takes place in October 1998. The fact that Cregger's Raccoon City is not a "smoking ruin" immediately places the film's events before this destruction. Source: [IGN, "Zach Cregger's Resident Evil Movie Set in Raccoon City, Production Photos Reveal, With Hints to Place in the Timeline", November 6, 2025].

Given the wintry setting, speculation points to a story set sometime in early 1998 at the latest, potentially even preceding the initial T-Virus outbreak events of the first Resident Evil game (July 1998). This opens up possibilities for exploring the very early stages of the Umbrella Corporation's catastrophic failures, without contradicting the established major events or characters of the game series.

A New Chapter for the Iconic Horror Franchise

The Resident Evil film franchise has had a storied, if sometimes divisive, history. The original Paul W.S. Anderson-directed series starring Milla Jovovich was a box office powerhouse, grossing over a billion dollars globally across six entries. However, subsequent attempts, like the 2021 reboot Welcome to Raccoon City and the Netflix live-action series, struggled to connect with audiences and critics alike.

Cregger's fresh perspective, coupled with his proven ability to deliver tense and inventive horror, positions this new adaptation as a potentially groundbreaking entry. By focusing on an original story that honors the games' atmosphere rather than simply adapting their plots, he aims to deliver a movie that will resonate deeply with long-time fans while also captivating newcomers to the terrifying world of Resident Evil.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Upcoming Resident Evil Movie

• When is Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil movie being released?The film is scheduled for a U.S. theatrical release on September 18, 2026.
• Where is the new Resident Evil movie being filmed?Principal photography is taking place in Prague and other regions of Czechia.
• Will the movie feature characters like Leon Kennedy or Jill Valentine?No, Director Zach Cregger has stated the film will tell an original story with new characters, not adapting specific game plots or featuring the main game protagonists.
• What kind of tone can viewers expect?Cregger aims for a survival-horror tone true to the game experience, drawing from the atmosphere of Resident Evil 2 and 3, with the intensity of Resident Evil 4.

Sources

• The Prague Reporter - "PHOTOS: ‘Resident Evil’ blankets Prague’s Karlín neighborhood in snow for key action scene"
• Eurogamer.net - "Zach Cregger's Resident Evil movie set photos show snowy Raccoon City"
• GameSpot - "New Resident Evil Movie Photos Show Off Raccoon City Before Everything Goes Completely To Hell"
• IGN - "Zach Cregger's Resident Evil Movie Set in Raccoon City, Production Photos Reveal, With Hints to Place in the Timeline"