Leon Kennedy’s appearance in Resident Evil 9 has been one of gaming’s worst-kept secrets, and now it seems Sony just spoiled Capcom’s surprise. Multiple PlayStation 5 users across different regions are reporting that new box art for Resident Evil Requiem has appeared on the PlayStation Store featuring a prominent image of Leon Kennedy standing next to confirmed protagonist Grace Ashcroft. The leak comes just two days before The Game Awards 2025, where Capcom is scheduled to show new footage.
Twitter users began posting screenshots on December 9, 2025, showing the revised cover art when accessing the pre-order page for Resident Evil Requiem. The image displays Leon front and center with the game’s redesigned logo, finally confirming what insiders have been claiming for months. At least three separate users have now verified seeing the Leon artwork, making it increasingly difficult to dismiss as fake or doctored images.
The Long Road to This Leak
Speculation about Leon Kennedy appearing in Resident Evil 9 started long before Capcom even announced the game officially. Reliable Resident Evil insider Dusk Golem has been adamant for over a year that Leon would be a main playable character alongside Grace Ashcroft. Even after Capcom unveiled Resident Evil Requiem at Summer Game Fest 2025 and made no mention of Leon, Dusk Golem doubled down on the claims.
The problem is that previous PlayStation Store leaks turned out to be fake. Back in October 2025, a Portuguese PlayStation Store listing allegedly mentioned a deluxe costume for Leon, causing massive excitement in the Resident Evil community. That leak was quickly debunked when the original Reddit post was deleted and investigation revealed the listing could have been fabricated by editing front-end code. Dusk Golem acknowledged that specific leak was fake but maintained Leon is still in the game.
Why This Time Feels Different
Unlike the October incident where one user posted a questionable screenshot before disappearing, this December leak involves multiple independent PlayStation 5 users from different regions all reporting the same thing. The accounts posting the Leon box art remain active and are fielding questions from skeptical community members. Nobody has definitively proven these images are manipulated, and the timing lines up perfectly with an imminent Game Awards reveal.
IGN reported on December 9 that Leon S. Kennedy has been confirmed to appear in Resident Evil Requiem via the PlayStation Store leak. Other gaming outlets including Vice, Eurogamer, and The Sixth Axis have covered the leak as credible based on multiple user verifications. When major gaming media treats a leak as legitimate rather than dismissing it outright, that typically indicates significant evidence supporting authenticity.
Who Is Grace Ashcroft and Why Is She Leading RE9
For those who haven’t been following Resident Evil 9 closely, Grace Ashcroft is the officially confirmed protagonist and a completely new character to the franchise. She’s an FBI intelligence analyst described as introverted and easily scared, representing a departure from the confident action heroes that typically lead Resident Evil games. Grace is the daughter of Alyssa Ashcroft from the PlayStation 2 spinoff games Resident Evil Outbreak.
Director Koshi Nakanishi has repeatedly emphasized that Grace is the new main character of Resident Evil Requiem. In a message to Resident Evil ambassadors, Nakanishi stated Grace will take center stage in a story packed with fresh twists and surprises, and her character will be deeply connected to the larger Resident Evil universe. The game returns to Raccoon City, specifically 30 years after the nuclear bomb destroyed it, and Grace must investigate mysterious disappearances including her mother’s death at the Wrenwood Hotel.
So Where Does Leon Fit In
The big question is what role Leon plays if Grace is definitively the main character. According to Dusk Golem’s claims, Leon is a main playable character alongside Grace, suggesting dual protagonists similar to Resident Evil 6 which featured multiple interconnected campaigns. Another theory is that Leon appears in a significant supporting role or becomes playable during specific sections of Grace’s campaign.
Resident Evil has a history of surprise character reveals. Chris Redfield’s appearance as a playable character in Resident Evil 7’s Not a Hero DLC wasn’t marketed heavily before release. Resident Evil Village let players control Chris during a key sequence despite Ethan Winters being the marketed protagonist. Capcom could be intentionally hiding Leon from marketing to preserve a dramatic reveal within the game itself.
Why Capcom Kept Leon Secret
If Leon really is in Resident Evil Requiem as a major character, Capcom’s decision to keep him completely out of marketing makes strategic sense. Grace Ashcroft is a brand new character that needs to be established in fans’ minds as the legitimate lead. Announcing Leon immediately would overshadow her and cause fans to focus exclusively on what the veteran agent is doing rather than caring about the newcomer.
By building hype around Grace first through the Summer Game Fest announcement, Gamescom trailer, and various preview coverage, Capcom ensured she received proper attention. Now revealing Leon just before release as a bonus surprise generates a second massive wave of excitement and potentially converts skeptical fans who weren’t sold on a new protagonist. It’s clever marketing that gets the best of both worlds.
The Game Awards Connection
Geoff Keighley confirmed on December 5 that Resident Evil Requiem will receive a terrifying new look at The Game Awards 2025 on December 11. The show streams at 7:30 PM EST from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Given that Sony accidentally leaked Leon on December 9, just two days before the show, it’s almost certain the Game Awards trailer will officially unveil Leon’s involvement.
Capcom likely planned to debut Leon at The Game Awards all along, using it as a massive showcase moment to blow up social media and dominate gaming headlines. The PlayStation Store leak ruins that surprise but doesn’t diminish the impact of finally seeing Leon in action within the game’s environment. Fans will still tune in eagerly to see how Leon looks, what his role is, and potentially get hints about the story connecting him to Grace’s investigation.
What to Expect from the Trailer
Previous Resident Evil Requiem footage has focused heavily on atmospheric horror, Grace’s psychological trauma, and environmental exploration. The Game Awards trailer will likely shift gears to show combat sequences and action elements, which is where Leon would naturally fit. Expect to see Leon facing off against BOWs, possibly interacting with Grace, and demonstrating the gameplay mechanics that weren’t highlighted in earlier marketing.
The trailer might also clarify whether Resident Evil Requiem features a single campaign with two playable characters or separate campaigns that intersect. Given that Nakanishi stated the game will have only one campaign according to Dusk Golem’s earlier leaks, it seems players will switch between Grace and Leon throughout a unified story rather than experiencing separate narratives.
Community Reaction and Skepticism
The Resident Evil subreddit and GamingLeaksAndRumours have been analyzing the leaked box art intensely. Some users remain skeptical given the fake October leak, questioning whether these images could also be doctored. Others point out that multiple independent verifications from users in different regions with active social media histories suggests legitimacy that the previous fake lacked.
Longtime Leon fans are understandably excited but cautious. The character hasn’t appeared in a new mainline Resident Evil game since Resident Evil 6 in 2012, aside from the Resident Evil 2 and 4 remakes. Thirteen years is a long wait for one of the franchise’s most popular protagonists. Fans want Leon back but also don’t want to get overly hyped based on potentially fake leaks only to be disappointed when Capcom reveals something different.
FAQs
Has Capcom officially confirmed Leon is in Resident Evil 9?
No, Capcom has not officially confirmed Leon Kennedy’s appearance in Resident Evil Requiem. All information comes from leaks, insider claims, and the recent PlayStation Store box art that multiple users are reporting. Official confirmation is expected at The Game Awards 2025 on December 11.
Who is the main character of Resident Evil Requiem?
Grace Ashcroft is the confirmed main protagonist of Resident Evil Requiem. She’s an FBI intelligence analyst and the daughter of Alyssa Ashcroft from Resident Evil Outbreak. Director Koshi Nakanishi has repeatedly stated Grace is the new main character who will take center stage in the story.
Will Leon be playable in Resident Evil 9?
According to insider Dusk Golem, Leon Kennedy will be a main playable character alongside Grace Ashcroft. The exact nature of how players control Leon, whether through campaign switching or specific story sequences, hasn’t been officially revealed yet.
When does Resident Evil Requiem release?
Resident Evil Requiem launches on February 27, 2026, coinciding with the Resident Evil franchise’s 30th anniversary. The game is coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.
Is the PlayStation Store leak real or fake?
Multiple independent PlayStation 5 users across different regions are reporting the Leon box art on the PlayStation Store, suggesting authenticity. However, a previous similar leak in October 2025 turned out to be fake, so absolute certainty won’t exist until Capcom makes an official announcement.
When will we see Leon officially revealed?
The Game Awards 2025 on December 11, 2025, at 7:30 PM EST is when Capcom will show a new terrifying look at Resident Evil Requiem. Given the timing of the PlayStation Store leak, Leon’s official reveal is almost certainly happening during that showcase.
What is Resident Evil Requiem about?
Resident Evil Requiem takes place 30 years after Raccoon City’s nuclear destruction. Protagonist Grace Ashcroft returns to investigate mysterious disappearances including her mother’s death at the Wrenwood Hotel. The game features the return to Raccoon Police Department and explores Grace’s childhood trauma while facing new bioweapon threats.
Who is Dusk Golem and why do people trust their leaks?
Dusk Golem is a well-known Resident Evil insider with a history of accurate leaks about Capcom’s survival horror franchise. They’ve been claiming Leon is in Resident Evil 9 for over a year despite Capcom’s silence, and have maintained that position even after acknowledging some fake leaks.
Conclusion
Whether this PlayStation Store leak is the real deal or an elaborate fake will be definitively answered on December 11 when The Game Awards airs. The evidence supporting authenticity is stronger this time with multiple independent verifications rather than a single suspicious source. For Leon Kennedy fans who have waited 13 years to see their favorite character in a new Resident Evil game, the wait is almost over. If the leak proves accurate, Resident Evil Requiem will unite a beloved veteran with a promising newcomer, potentially creating one of the most exciting entries in the franchise’s 30-year history. Capcom may have tried to keep Leon secret for maximum impact, but in the age of digital storefronts and eagle-eyed fans, some surprises just can’t stay hidden forever.