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.
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]
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.
Jeremy Allen White is ready to step into the shoes of legendary actor Gene Wilder, he just needs someone to make the call.
The Bear star recently addressed the possibility of portraying Wilder in an upcoming biopic after fans pointed out the striking resemblance between the two actors.
During an appearance on TODAY, White was asked whether he would be interested in taking on the role.
“Absolutely, it would be my honour,”
White said.
White went on to reveal his longtime admiration for Wilder and some of his most iconic films.
“Young Frankenstein is one of my earliest film memories. Blazing Saddles, he’s a genius. It would be an honor. He was a genius. It would be an honor. Yeah, I love him. I’ve always loved him.”
Jeremy Allen White [Photo by Dan Doperalski]
Despite his enthusiasm, White confirmed that he has not been cast in the project. When asked whether the role was already his, the actor quickly responded, “No! No, no, no,” before adding, “We’ll see, we’re manifesting it.”
A Gene Wilder biopic was announced earlier this year, with filmmaker Dito Montiel attached to direct. The project has the cooperation of Wilder’s estate, though casting has yet to be announced.
Wilder remains one of Hollywood’s most beloved comedic performers, starring in classics including Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, Young Frankenstein, Blazing Saddles and The Producers. He died in 2016 at the age of 83 following complications from Alzheimer’s disease.
With White openly interested and fans already making comparisons between the two actors, the upcoming biopic may have just found its most obvious candidate, even if the phone hasn’t rung yet.
Blumhouse is bringing another popular horror video game to the big screen.
The studio is developing a live-action adaptation of Amanda the Adventurer, the indie horror game series from MANGLEDmaw Games and publisher DreadXP.
The project was announced during BlumFest at New York Comic Con, with Matthew “MatPat” Patrick attached to produce the film. Patrick is best known for creating the popular Game Theory YouTube series and has spent years exploring the lore behind horror games and other franchises.
Amanda the Adventurer follows Riley Park, who inherits the home of their Aunt Kate and discovers a collection of mysterious VHS tapes in the attic. The tapes contain episodes of an apparently innocent children’s program starring a young girl named Amanda and her sheep companion, Wooly.
Things quickly become much more disturbing when Amanda and Wooly appear capable of communicating directly with the person watching the tapes.
Amanda the Adventurer
The original game became known for combining the appearance of an early-2000s children’s television show with puzzle-solving, psychological horror and increasingly unsettling imagery.
The franchise has since expanded with Amanda the Adventurer 2 and Amanda the Adventurer 3.
The movie will also mark the first project under a broader partnership between Patrick and Blumhouse focused on adapting indie horror games and online horror properties for the screen.
Blumhouse already has major experience turning horror games into theatrical properties following the success of its Five Nights at Freddy’s films.
The Amanda the Adventurer adaptation remains early in development. A writer and director have not yet been announced, and there is currently no confirmed cast or release date.
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