With the film taking shape very quickly, Zach Cregger’sResident Evilreboot may have already found its first star. TheBarbarianwriter/director was announced to be helming a new take on the long-running Capcom horror video game series, which is said to be going back to the horror roots of the games in favor of the action of Milla Jovovich’s movies. Within two months of its announcement,theResident Evilrebootwas acquired by Sony Pictures and set for a August 08, 2025 release date.
The Hollywood Reporterhas brought word thatAustin Abrams is currently being eyed as the first cast member for Cregger’sResident Evilfranchise reboot.Abrams, who was previously seen in AMC’s long-runningWalking Dead, has not yet finalized his deal, and no indication was given as to who he might be in talks to play. Sources report that production is eyeing a Summer 2025 start, with the co-writer/director said to currently be in the process of location scouting in Europe.
What Abrams' Negotiations Mean For The Resident Evil Reboot
While his deal may not yet be set, Cregger eyeing Abrams as the first cast member for hisResident Evilreboot is a pretty bold statement of how the filmmaker views the rising star. The duo most recently partnered for Cregger’s third directorial effort,the upcoming horror-epicWeapons,which recently got a promising release update from Warner Bros. as it was bumped up by a full five months.Though it’s unclear how big his role will be in the film compared to Josh Brolin, Julia Garner, Alden Ehrenreich and Benedict Wong, his work in it likely boosted Cregger’s confidence in him.
With Abrams being eyed to lead the film, the curiosity now points to who Cregger will look to fill out the rest of hisResident Evilroster. Though only in it for nine episodes, the co-writer/director may look to follow similar suit from Abrams' tenure inThe Walking Deadby casting others familiar with the zombie genre.It may not necessarily be a necessity for Cregger, but it could certainly lend some credence to audiences that there’s a recognition of the genre’s past and its influence on the games.
Why Resident Evil Movies Are So Difficult To Get Right
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The other major curiosity to come from Abrams' potential casting iswhichResident Evilcharacterhe might play in the upcoming reboot. Though not directly confirmed by the studio as of yet, it’s been reported that Cregger is looking to stay true to the Capcom games, which could see him adapt one of the first three games for his story. If that’s the case, with Abrams being the first to enter negotiations for the film, he could very well be in talks to play iconic protagonist, Leon S. Kennedy.
Our Take On Abrams' Resident Evil Casting Talks
There’s Another Great Role He Could Play
While he could certainly be a great choice to play Leon in his bright-eyed rookie days, I think Abrams could actually be a better choice to play infamous villain, Albert Wesker, in the upcomingResident Evilreboot. He’s showcased a haunting antagonist side in everything fromThe Walking DeadtoScary Stories to Tell in the Dark, and while he may not physically be the most obvious choice for the part, I think he would perfectly nail the persona.
Source:THR
Resident Evil
Zach Cregger directs and co-writes a new film adaptation of Capcom’s hit horror video game series, Resident Evil. The video game franchise previously inspired six live-action films, though Resident Evil 2026 will take place in a new continuity.
