The Resident Evil franchise is getting another shot at live-action glory, and this time it looks like we’re in for something different. Fresh set photos from Prague have surfaced online, giving fans their first glimpse of director Zach Cregger’s take on the iconic survival horror series. The images reveal a snow-dusted Raccoon City complete with burnt-out cars, abandoned storefronts, and all the pre-apocalypse atmosphere you’d expect from the doomed metropolis.
What the Set Photos Reveal
Production crews have transformed parts of Prague into the fictional Raccoon City, and they’re not holding back on the details. The set photos show artificial snow covering everything from sidewalks to vehicles, creating a wintry aesthetic that’s rarely seen in the Resident Evil universe. There’s a sheriff’s SUV marked “Martin County” parked under an overpass, burnt-out vehicles cordoned off at street corners, and a diner called Oak Street Diner that might be a nod to Tall Oaks from Resident Evil 6.
One particularly interesting detail is a city map posted at a bus shelter, depicting Raccoon City as a sprawling, fully functioning metropolis. This confirms what fans have suspected: the movie takes place well before October 1998, when the city was destroyed by a missile strike in Resident Evil 3. According to reports, the production filmed large-scale action sequences involving gunfire, explosions, and stunt driving throughout late October and early November 2025.
A Different Approach to Adaptation
Unlike the previous Paul W.S. Anderson films starring Milla Jovovich, Cregger’s version isn’t about creating a parallel universe with new characters loosely inspired by the games. Instead, he’s building an original story that exists within the established game canon. The catch? Don’t expect to see Chris Redfield, Jill Valentine, Leon Kennedy, or Claire Redfield on screen.
Cregger has been upfront about his approach, stating that he’s staying “obedient to the lore” while telling a fresh story. He’s cited Resident Evil 2, Resident Evil 3, and Resident Evil 4 as major influences, but he’s not retelling those stories. Think of it as similar to Resident Evil Outbreak, which introduced new characters experiencing the same nightmarish events in Raccoon City.
Why the Snow Matters
The snowy setting has fans speculating about the timeline. Resident Evil games typically take place in summer and early fall, with the Spencer Mansion incident happening in July 1998 and the Raccoon City outbreak occurring in late September. A winter setting would place the movie either before or after the main events we know from the games.
Some fans have pointed out similarities to Resident Evil Code Veronica, which features snow-covered environments in its Antarctica sections. Others think it’s simply an atmospheric choice that helps differentiate this adaptation from previous films and games. Either way, it’s a visual departure that has people talking.
The Cast and Crew
Zach Cregger made waves with his 2022 horror hit Barbarian, which became a sleeper success thanks to its clever premise and genuine scares. His latest film, Weapons, released in 2025 and further cemented his reputation as a filmmaker who understands horror. Now he’s bringing that sensibility to Resident Evil with backing from Sony Pictures and PlayStation Productions.
The cast includes Austin Abrams from Euphoria playing a medical courier named Bryan, Kali Reis from True Detective: Night Country, and Zach Cherry from Apple TV’s Severance. Plot details remain under wraps, but the medical courier angle suggests we might see how the T-virus spread throughout Raccoon City from a civilian perspective.
What This Means for Fans
The Resident Evil film franchise has a complicated history. While the Anderson films were financially successful, grossing over $1.2 billion worldwide, they deviated significantly from the source material. The 2021 reboot Welcome to Raccoon City attempted to be more faithful to the games but failed to connect with audiences or critics.
Cregger’s approach might be the middle ground fans have been asking for. By creating new characters within the existing universe, he avoids the pitfall of miscasting beloved game characters while still delivering the atmosphere and lore that makes Resident Evil special. If successful, this could open the door for future films that gradually introduce the iconic characters fans know and love.
Release Date and Expectations
The film is scheduled to hit theaters on September 18, 2026, distributed by Sony Pictures. That gives Cregger plenty of time in post-production to nail the visual effects, which will be crucial for bringing the infected and bio-organic weapons to life. With filming currently underway in Prague, we can expect more set photos and possibly some official stills in the coming months.
The timing also puts it ahead of Resident Evil Requiem, the next mainline game in the series, which is set to release in February 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC. This coordinated release schedule suggests Capcom and Sony are working together to keep the franchise in the spotlight across multiple media.
FAQs
When does the new Resident Evil movie come out?
The movie is scheduled for release on September 18, 2026, in theaters.
Who is directing the new Resident Evil movie?
Zach Cregger, known for directing Barbarian and Weapons, is helming the project.
Will the movie feature characters from the games?
No, Cregger has confirmed the film will feature original characters but will stay faithful to the game lore and universe.
Where is the movie being filmed?
Production is taking place in Prague, Czech Republic, with parts of the city transformed into Raccoon City.
Is this connected to the previous Resident Evil movies?
No, this is a complete reboot separate from both the Paul W.S. Anderson films and the 2021 Welcome to Raccoon City movie.
Why is Raccoon City covered in snow in the set photos?
The snowy setting appears to be a creative choice by the director, though it may indicate the film takes place during winter months before the city’s destruction.
Who is in the cast?
The cast includes Austin Abrams as a medical courier named Bryan, Kali Reis, and Zach Cherry, with more casting announcements expected.
Conclusion
The first look at Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil movie suggests we’re getting a grounded, atmospheric take on the franchise that respects the source material while telling a new story. The snowy Raccoon City setting is visually striking and offers a fresh perspective on the doomed city we’ve seen destroyed countless times in games and previous films. With a talented director at the helm, a cast of rising stars, and a commitment to staying true to the game lore, this adaptation has the potential to finally deliver the Resident Evil movie fans have been waiting for. Whether it succeeds will depend on execution, but for now, these set photos have generated genuine excitement in a fanbase that’s been burned before.