Entertainment
Resident Evil First Reactions Praise Zach Cregger’s “Gloriously Gory” Horror Reboot
The first reactions to Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil have arrived, and the filmmaker behind Barbarian and Weapons may have another horror hit on his hands.
Early reactions to Sony Pictures’ latest attempt at bringing the iconic video game franchise to the big screen are overwhelmingly enthusiastic, with critics praising the film’s gore, humor, scares and commitment to the survival-horror atmosphere of the games.
Cregger’s Resident Evil follows Austin Abrams as a medical courier who finds himself caught in a zombie outbreak while attempting to make a delivery to Raccoon City General Hospital. Cregger co-wrote the screenplay alongside Shay Hatten, with Zach Cherry, Kali Reis and Paul Walter Hauser also starring.
While the film tells an original story rather than adapting one of the games directly, the early word suggests Cregger has captured what makes Resident Evil work.
Flickering Myth critic EJ Moreno called the movie a “true horror blockbuster,” adding:
“Zach Cregger goes bigger, scarier, and at his most fun.”
Moreno also said Resident Evil is the type of movie that should be experienced “on the biggest screen with a big crowd.”
Mark Cassidy offered similarly strong praise, arguing that despite not featuring familiar characters or storylines from the games, the movie successfully taps into their relentless tension.
Director Zach Cregger (right) and Austin Abrams on the set of Constantin Film and Columbia Pictures Resident Evil DUŠAN MARTINČEK/SONY PICTURES
“Zach Cregger has actually delivered the most faithful take yet.”
Cassidy described the film as “very bloody, very funny” and revealed that it managed to make him jump three times.
Kellvin Chavez was even more enthusiastic, praising a movie that apparently wastes little time getting started.
“Zach Cregger delivers relentless suspense, gloriously gory action.”
Chavez also highlighted what he described as twisted, The Thing-like creature designs and called the movie “pure survival horror.”
Film critic Tristian Circa ‘89 praised the balance between horror and comedy, saying the movie is “just as intense and horrifying as you’d expect” while still incorporating humor. He also singled out Abrams as an everyman protagonist whose natural charm makes him easy to root for.
Variety’s Jordan Moreau delivered perhaps the strongest reaction of the bunch, calling Resident Evil:
“One of the best video game adaptations ever made.”
Austin Abrams in ‘Resident Evil’ (2026). Credit : Dušan Martinček/Sony Pictures
Moreau also called it one of the best recent horror movies and praised Abrams’ performance as he stumbles his way through the zombie outbreak.
One of the biggest questions surrounding Cregger’s take on the franchise has been his decision to tell an original story.
The new movie does not center on established Resident Evil characters such as Leon S. Kennedy or Jill Valentine. Cregger has previously acknowledged the criticism surrounding that decision, but these early reactions suggest his film may compensate by remaining faithful to the atmosphere, tension and survival-horror experience of the games.
The franchise has already produced seven live-action theatrical films, beginning with the Milla Jovovich-led Resident Evil in 2002 and most recently returning to theaters with Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City in 2021. The films have collectively earned more than $1.2 billion worldwide.
Now Cregger gets his opportunity to take audiences back to Raccoon City.
Resident Evil hits theaters September 18.
James Mangold’s long developing Swamp Thing movie is still alive at DC Studios, with studio co chairman Peter Safran confirming that work on the project is actively moving forward.
Speaking at the premiere of Clayface, Safran addressed the status of the film after years of limited updates and growing speculation that it may have quietly fallen off DC Studios’ slate.
“We’re working on it, absolutely.”
Safran said. “The script is being written as we speak.”
Safran added that DC Studios remains excited about the project, while acknowledging that getting the film into production will also depend on Mangold’s availability.
Swamp Thing was originally announced in 2023 as part of the first chapter of James Gunn and Safran’s new DC Universe. The film is expected to explore the dark origins of the character while leaning heavily into horror rather than functioning as a traditional superhero movie.
Swamp Thing
Mangold previously described his approach as a simple Gothic horror story centered around a man and a monster, comparing the concept to the type of classic tragedy found in Frankenstein.
That direction would make Swamp Thing one of the darker and more distinct projects currently being developed for the DC Universe.
The character, most commonly associated with scientist Alec Holland, has long occupied the horror side of DC Comics. After Holland is killed in an explosion, Swamp Thing emerges as a powerful plant based creature connected to a supernatural force known as the Green.
The character most recently received a live action television adaptation in 2019, although the series was canceled after a single season.
Mangold remains attached to direct the new film, though DC Studios has not announced a production start date, cast, or release date.
For now, Safran’s comments offer the clearest indication in some time that Swamp Thing remains part of DC Studios’ plans.
The truth is officially heading back out there.
Hulu has given a full series order to Ryan Coogler’s upcoming reimagining of The X-Files, moving the project beyond its previously ordered pilot and officially bringing the iconic paranormal franchise back to television.
The new series will star Danielle Deadwyler and Himesh Patel as two new FBI agents rather than new versions of Fox Mulder and Dana Scully.
According to the official logline, the series follows two highly decorated but very different FBI agents who form an unlikely bond after being assigned to a long shuttered division devoted to cases involving unexplained phenomena.
Coogler wrote, directed and executive produced the pilot and will remain an executive producer on the series. Jennifer Yale will serve as showrunner and executive producer, while original The X-Files creator Chris Carter is also returning as an executive producer.
Coogler has described himself as a longtime fan of the franchise and has said the goal is to honor what made the original series special while finding a new way into that world.
Danielle Deadwyler, Himesh Patel and Ryan Coogler MELISSA ALEXANDER; COURTESY OF SUBJECT; ARTURO HOLMES/GETTY IMAGES
The cast will also include Devery Jacobs, Lochlyn Munro, Tantoo Cardinal, Joel E. Montgrand and Sofia Grace Clifton, with Amy Madigan, Steve Buscemi and Ben Foster set to make guest appearances.
The original The X-Files debuted in 1993 and became one of television’s defining science fiction series, following FBI agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully as they investigated paranormal cases, government conspiracies and unexplained events.
The series originally ran for nine seasons before returning for two revival seasons in 2016 and 2018.
Whether David Duchovny or Gillian Anderson will eventually appear in Coogler’s version has not been announced.
Hulu has also not revealed an episode count or premiere date for the new series.
RJ Mitte, the actor best known for portraying Walter White Jr. on the acclaimed AMC series Breaking Bad, has died at the age of 34.
Mitte died Monday in Brownsville, Texas. His representatives confirmed his death in a statement, remembering him as an actor, philanthropist and passionate disability rights advocate. A cause of death has not been officially announced.
Mitte became widely known for his role as Walter White Jr., also known as Flynn, the son of Bryan Cranston’s Walter White on Breaking Bad. He appeared throughout all five seasons of the series from 2008 through 2013 and became an important part of one of television’s most celebrated ensembles.
Like his character, Mitte lived with cerebral palsy. He drew from his own experiences for the role and later became an outspoken advocate for greater representation and opportunities for people with disabilities in Hollywood.
Breaking Bad [Sony Pictures Television]
Outside of Breaking Bad, Mitte appeared in projects including Switched at Birth, The Guardians of Justice, The Oak Room and the 2021 film Triumph. His latest film, Talking to Strangers, premiered earlier this year, with Mitte attending a screening in Beverly Hills on September 30.
Mitte also worked extensively with organizations supporting people with disabilities, including United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s, and served as president of The Mitte Foundation.
His representatives described him as a powerful voice for inclusion whose influence reached well beyond his work on screen.
RJ Mitte was 34.
James Mangold’s Swamp Thing Is Still Moving Forward at DC Studios
James Mangold’s long developing Swamp Thing movie is still alive at DC Studios, with studio co chairman Peter Safran confirming...
Ryan Coogler’s ‘The X-Files’ Reboot Officially Ordered to Series at Hulu
The truth is officially heading back out there. Hulu has given a full series order to Ryan Coogler’s upcoming reimagining...
Breaking Bad Star RJ Mitte Dies at 34
RJ Mitte, the actor best known for portraying Walter White Jr. on the acclaimed AMC series Breaking Bad, has died...
Rockstar Releases New Grand Theft Auto VI Launch Trailer Ahead of November Release
Rockstar Games has released the official launch trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI, giving fans another look at Jason, Lucia...
Clayface First Reactions Praise DC’s Brutal Body Horror
The first reactions to DC Studios’ Clayface have arrived, and the upcoming Batman villain film appears to be leaning fully...
Greta Gerwig’s Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew Reveals First Epic Trailer
Netflix has officially opened the door to Narnia. The first trailer for Greta Gerwig’s Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew has arrived,...
