Blab Entertainment
Zach Creggers Resident Evil Cuts Jokes After Test Screenings, Aims for Faithful Survival Horror
Zach Cregger’s upcoming Resident Evil film, slated for a September 18, 2026 theatrical release, has been reshaped after test audiences found it too funny for a horror movie. The director, who helmed the 2025 horror feature Weapons, said the feedback prompted him to trim several jokes while preserving the film’s core tension.
Cregger’s project is Sony Pictures’ second reboot of the long‑running franchise, following the 2021 Welcome to Raccoon City. The new entry, written by Cregger and Shay Hatten, will debut at Fantastic Fest on September 17, 2026. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the director described the film as a “real Resident Evil movie set in that universe,” emphasizing his commitment to staying true to the games rather than merely exploiting the IP.
Choosing to hold test screenings marks a departure from the franchise’s past. Earlier Resident Evil films, produced by Paul W. S. Anderson and later by Johannes Roberts, were largely released without audience previews. Cregger explained that while test audiences “really liked the movie,” they felt it was “too funny.” In response, he cut jokes from the script, a move he says has made him enjoy the film more.
Cregger’s background in comedy—he co‑founded the troupe The Whitest Kids U’Know—has shaped his approach to horror. He has noted that humor can serve as a useful tool in a frightening setting, but he also wants to avoid the mockery that has plagued previous adaptations. The first Resident Evil game is known for its awkward dialogue, and the 2021 reboot included references that fans found unfunny. Cregger has stated that he is intent on recreating the tension of the games rather than relying on comedic mockery.
Fan input has also played a role in shaping the film. Cregger apologized for not being able to incorporate every fan request, but he said he is listening to the community’s concerns about faithfulness. The director’s willingness to adjust the script after test screenings and to acknowledge fan feedback is a new strategy for the franchise.
The film’s release follows Sony Pictures’ broader effort to revive the Resident Evil brand. The series, which began in 2002, has grossed over $1.2 billion worldwide and remains the highest‑grossing video‑game‑based horror franchise. The 2026 reboot is expected to build on that legacy, with a focus on delivering a survival‑horror experience that aligns more closely with the source material.
In summary, Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil is a 2026 reboot that has been trimmed of excess humor after test audiences found it too light for a horror film. The director remains committed to a faithful adaptation, has listened to fan feedback, and will premiere the film at Fantastic Fest before its wide release. The film’s performance will be closely watched as Sony seeks to re‑establish the franchise’s reputation for delivering tense, game‑faithful horror.
Cregger’s project is Sony Pictures’ second reboot of the long‑running franchise, following the 2021 Welcome to Raccoon City. The new entry, written by Cregger and Shay Hatten, will debut at Fantastic Fest on September 17, 2026. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the director described the film as a “real Resident Evil movie set in that universe,” emphasizing his commitment to staying true to the games rather than merely exploiting the IP.
Choosing to hold test screenings marks a departure from the franchise’s past. Earlier Resident Evil films, produced by Paul W. S. Anderson and later by Johannes Roberts, were largely released without audience previews. Cregger explained that while test audiences “really liked the movie,” they felt it was “too funny.” In response, he cut jokes from the script, a move he says has made him enjoy the film more.
Cregger’s background in comedy—he co‑founded the troupe The Whitest Kids U’Know—has shaped his approach to horror. He has noted that humor can serve as a useful tool in a frightening setting, but he also wants to avoid the mockery that has plagued previous adaptations. The first Resident Evil game is known for its awkward dialogue, and the 2021 reboot included references that fans found unfunny. Cregger has stated that he is intent on recreating the tension of the games rather than relying on comedic mockery.
Fan input has also played a role in shaping the film. Cregger apologized for not being able to incorporate every fan request, but he said he is listening to the community’s concerns about faithfulness. The director’s willingness to adjust the script after test screenings and to acknowledge fan feedback is a new strategy for the franchise.
The film’s release follows Sony Pictures’ broader effort to revive the Resident Evil brand. The series, which began in 2002, has grossed over $1.2 billion worldwide and remains the highest‑grossing video‑game‑based horror franchise. The 2026 reboot is expected to build on that legacy, with a focus on delivering a survival‑horror experience that aligns more closely with the source material.
In summary, Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil is a 2026 reboot that has been trimmed of excess humor after test audiences found it too light for a horror film. The director remains committed to a faithful adaptation, has listened to fan feedback, and will premiere the film at Fantastic Fest before its wide release. The film’s performance will be closely watched as Sony seeks to re‑establish the franchise’s reputation for delivering tense, game‑faithful horror.
