A critical milestone has been crossed in the exciting wait for the brand new Resident Evil movie, adapted from the cult video game series and brought to life under Sony Pictures. The official trailer, released on July 23 in partnership with Columbia Pictures and Constantin Film, takes fans back to the chaotic and terrifying atmosphere of Raccoon City. Written and directed by Zach Cregger, who has proven his prowess in the horror-thriller genre with Barbarian and Weapons, the film reinvents the series with an original story that breaks free from classic molds.
A Regular Courier's Nightmare in Raccoon City
The trailer sheds light on the story of Bryan, a medical courier (Austin Abrams), who is on his way to deliver an urgent organ/medical shipment (package B-7) to Raccoon City General Hospital. On a snowy night, Bryan suddenly finds himself in the midst of a viral outbreak and mutated creatures. The trailer showcases how an ordinary workday can turn into a massive disaster in just hours, escalating the tension with Bryan's desperate attempts to contact the police, his search for ammunition, and a helpless message he leaves for his girlfriend from a phone booth.
Mysterious Warning from Umbrella Scientist Carl: Paul Walter Hauser Takes the Stage
One of the biggest surprises in the released official trailer is the character "Carl," portrayed by Emmy-winning actor Paul Walter Hauser. Identified as an Umbrella scientist, Carl's words to Bryan, "Everything that happens in this city occurred in just a few hours. You have no idea what you’re holding!", indicate that the medical package Bryan carries plays a vital role at the center of the outbreak.
A Strong Rebirth True to the Spirit of the Games with an Impressive Cast
Set in an atmosphere parallel to the timelines of Resident Evil 2 and 3, the film focuses on the claustrophobic and pure survival horror feeling of the video games, unlike previous cinematic adaptations. The cast includes strong names such as Austin Abrams and Paul Walter Hauser, as well as Zach Cherry, known for the series Severance, and Kali Reis, star of True Detective: Night Country.
Release Date Confirmed: Coming to IMAX Screens on September 18, 2026
Sony Pictures has also announced the release date for the highly anticipated production. Completed in Prague and shot by cinematographer Dariusz Wolski, Resident Evil will hit theaters worldwide in the grand format and IMAX on September 18, 2026.