The first trailer for Resident Evil Requiem at Summer Game Fest left fans with more questions than answers. It introduced us to a new protagonist, Grace Ashcroft, and a haunting return to the ruins of Raccoon City. But just when we thought the focus was entirely on the new, a cryptic leak from a well-known insider has sent the community into a frenzy. The claim? Leon S. Kennedy is hiding in that very trailer, right under our noses.
The Leak: ‘He’s in the Trailer in Two Small Ways’
The rumor comes from Dusk Golem, a leaker with a long and often accurate (though sometimes controversial) track record in the Resident Evil community. Shortly after the trailer dropped, he claimed that Leon is indeed in it, but in ways that are subtle and will only ‘be more obvious when looking back.’ He insists that while Grace is the new face, Leon is the true protagonist of the game, and we play as him far more than her. This has turned the reveal trailer from a simple introduction into a full-blown scavenger hunt for clues.
The Evidence: Connecting the Dots
So, where is he? Fans have been dissecting every frame, and a few compelling theories have emerged, aligning perfectly with Dusk Golem’s cryptic clue.
1. The Voice in the Dark
At the 2:45 mark in the trailer, a mysterious voice says, ‘Investigating all these strange deaths, huh?’ The tone and delivery have many convinced that this is Nick Apostolides, the actor who has provided the voice and performance capture for Leon in the Resident Evil 2 and 4 remakes. Fueling this theory is Apostolides’ own online resume, which lists an unannounced ‘AAA Video Game’ he’s working on under an NDA. A hidden line of dialogue would certainly count as a ‘small way’ to include the character.
2. A Return to Where It All Began
The trailer’s final, stunning moments show the bombed-out ruins of Raccoon City, with the iconic Raccoon City Police Department building still standing. This isn’t just a random location; it’s the place where Leon’s story began. It’s a powerful visual that immediately ties the game back to him. Some fans have even pointed out a battered Jeep in front of the station, speculating that it could be Leon’s old vehicle from Resident Evil 2. Visiting this location as a new character is one thing, but returning as Leon himself would be a poetic end to his arc.
A Story of Conclusions and New Beginnings
These clues fit perfectly with Dusk Golem’s long-standing claims that Resident Evil 9 is being treated as the ‘conclusion’ of the story that began with the original games. The idea is that Leon, now a seasoned veteran agent, will be mentoring the new character, Grace Ashcroft. The first trailer focuses on her to establish the ‘new beginnings’ aspect, while slowly teasing the return of the old guard. If this is true, Capcom is playing a very clever marketing game, using the mystery to build anticipation.
Your Questions About the Leon Leak (FAQs)
- Who is Dusk Golem? A well-known leaker in the horror game community, particularly famous for his (mostly accurate) information on the Resident Evil series.
- What exactly did the leak claim? That Leon Kennedy appears in the first Resident Evil Requiem trailer in ‘two small ways’ and is the main playable character of the game.
- What are the two clues fans have found? A line of dialogue that sounds like Leon’s recent voice actor and the prominent feature of the R.P.D. building in the trailer.
- Has Capcom confirmed Leon is in the game? No. Capcom has been completely silent, and all of this is based on leaks and fan speculation.
- Who is the new character, Grace Ashcroft? She is the daughter of Alyssa Ashcroft, an investigative reporter and one of the protagonists from the 2003 spin-off game, Resident Evil Outbreak.
- So, do we play as Leon or Grace? According to the leak, we will play as both, but the majority of the game will be from Leon’s perspective.
Conclusion
While the first trailer for Resident Evil Requiem seemed to be all about a new chapter, the leaks and clues hidden within it tell a different story. It seems Capcom is setting the stage for a grand finale for one of its most beloved characters, all while introducing the next generation. By hiding Leon in plain sight, they’ve turned a standard game reveal into an interactive mystery for the entire community to solve. Whether these theories pan out or not, one thing is for sure: the hype for Resident Evil Requiem just went through the roof.