The upcoming "Resident Evil" movie from "Weapons" director Zach Cregger is giving fans a closer look at its new take on Capcom's iconic survival-horror franchise. A recently released trailer reveals more details about the film's original story while including several Resident Evil Easter eggs that longtime players may recognize.
Unlike previous adaptations, the new movie will not directly follow famous game characters such as Leon S. Kennedy or Jill Valentine. Instead, it introduces Bryan, an ordinary courier played by Austin Abrams, who becomes trapped in the chaos of the Raccoon City outbreak.
Cregger has previously described himself as a longtime "Resident Evil" fan. For that reason, he knows that exploring the infamous Raccoon City Incident is more than just a mystery that our eyes see.
'Resident Evil' Trailer Includes a Remake-Inspired First Aid Kit
The new "Resident Evil" trailer reportedly opens with Bryan delivering an organ to a hospital. Before leaving, he receives a bag that appears similar to the first aid kit seen in the "Resident Evil 2" remake.
The possible reference is likely to catch the attention of fans familiar with the games. First aid items have been a recurring part of the "Resident Evil" franchise, making the apparent connection an interesting detail in the trailer.
Umbrella Corporation's Red and White Colors Appear
Another potential Easter egg involves the trailer's repeated use of red and white.
Several scenes feature the contrasting colors, including a moment involving Bryan's white shoe with red laces. The color combination may be a subtle visual reference to Umbrella Corporation, the fictional pharmaceutical company responsible for many of the franchise's bioweapons.
Umbrella's red-and-white logo is one of the most recognizable symbols in "Resident Evil" history.
Shotguns, Ammunition, and Classic Survival Horror Elements
The trailer also appears to embrace familiar survival-horror mechanics.
Bryan can be seen using a shotgun that fans have compared to the M21 shotgun from "Resident Evil 7." Another sequence shows him searching for ammunition, reflecting the resource management that has long been central to the games.
According to GameSpot, the classic typewriter also appears in the trailer. In many older "Resident Evil" titles, typewriters served as save points, with players often needing limited ink ribbons to record their progress.
Fans may also notice a shotgun shell box carrying the Heavy Field Buckshot branding. The ammunition brand previously appeared in "Resident Evil 4" and "Resident Evil 5."
Raccoon City Becomes a Survival Horror Nightmare
Beyond its references to the games, the trailer presents a chaotic version of Raccoon City. Bryan encounters infected civilians, mysterious figures, disturbing creatures, and widespread destruction as the outbreak escalates.
Paul Walter Hauser plays Carl, a character who delivers cryptic dialogue during the trailer. One particularly unsettling scene also appears to feature a monstrous baby with an unusually elongated arm, adding to the film's disturbing atmosphere.
When Does the New 'Resident Evil' Movie Come Out?
The new "Resident Evil" movie is scheduled to arrive in theaters on September 18. With Cregger reportedly given significant creative freedom, the film aims to deliver a fast-paced survival-horror story that places audiences directly in the middle of the Raccoon City outbreak.
As usual for fans, Cregger's film adaptation will be a hit or miss.
In the meantime, check these spoiler-free beginner survival tips for "Resident Evil Requiem."
