Director of the new Resident Evil movie Zach Cregger has opened up about the mixed reaction to the upcoming movie's first trailer. The movie tells a new story in the zombie universe, taking place parallel to the events of the second game. However, Weapons director Cregger has been clear he doesn't want to bring in game characters to his film.
Speaking in a new interview with Obsession director Curry Barker, Cregger opened up about his new adaptation, admitting that the response to its trailer has surprised him. "I feel great about it," he explained. "I really like the movie a lot. It's been a wild week since the teaser came out to see the divided reaction online."
He added: "There's so many people that clearly really want the video game, meaning the characters and story from the video game, and anything different than that is really not welcomed. I didn't realize how passionate some people were about that."
However, the director went on to say he thinks he's damned if he does and damned if he doesn't stick to the games. "If I did that I don't think I'd be creatively fulfilled, and I don't even think they would enjoy it," he added. "If I just did the story of the games, I think the most diehard fans would be bummed. So I don't know what to do about it."
Speaking to us during our set visit last year, Cregger confirmed that it takes place "on the periphery" of the second game. "You know, where Raccoon City is having its big night, but tell just another story that could be happening in parallel to that."
Starring Austin Abrams as a courier on the worst shift of his life, Resident Evil takes place over the course of a night. Abrams' Bryan is tasked with delivering a medical package when he starts encountering some terrifying creatures.
Resident Evil arrives in theaters on September 18. Check out our guide to the other upcoming video game movies to add to your watchlist.
