Resident Evil tipped for massive live-action comeback with new movie and Netflix series
We could be about to open up the Hive all over again, as Resident Evil is poised to make a massive comeback on the small and silver screen. Resident Evil has kept us fed since Milla Jovovich first stepped up to play Alice in 2002, with various animated and live-action outings - as well as one disappointing Netflix series.
The Resiverse has ground to a bit of a halt recently, with the lukewarm reception to Netflix's series leading to it being canned after just one season, while Johannes Roberts' Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City struggled in the commercial and critical stakes in 2021.
Resident Evil prequel movie apparently on the way
Click to enlargeAccording to Geek Vibes Nation, Constantin Films is currently working on a Resident Evil movie and Netflix series. Take all of this with a heavy pinch of salt, but apparently, a Welcome to Raccoon City prequel series will adapt the events of 2002's Resident Evil Zero.
The movie is reportedly set for a 2025 release, which already has us casting doubt on the project. Still, the site claims Billy Coen will be the MVP, with Ada Wong also appearing to "create a seamless narrative bridge" to Welcome to Racoon City. This implies that Lily Gao would reprise her role in Roberts' movie.
Although Resident Evil Zero will be the focus here, there will be nods to other classic titles. There's no mention of whether Roberts is returning to direct, although there's the suggestion of a hefty $30 million budget (up from Welcome to Raccoon City). All in all, it's a pretty believable pitch.
New Netflix series also reportedly in the works
Click to enlargeAfter the flop of Andrew Dabb's short-lived Resident Evil series (starring the late Lance Reddick), Geek Vibes Nation claims the streaming service is trying again with something different. This time, Sophia Marcus (daughter of James Marcus) will take the lead.
It's set in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by enemies, including Lickers, Hunters, spiders, and the beloved Chainsaw Man. The opening episode will apparently focus on the origins of the outbreak, but if you're hoping for much more from the games, no existing characters from the franchise will apparently pop up.
Given what happened with the previous Netflix series, we can't see another one working without fan-favourite characters like Chris, Claire, Jill, Leon, and Ada. Still, with Resident Evil being bigger than ever thanks to the success of the RE4 remake and hype about RE9/more remakes, someone needs to make a move soon.
Whether we're getting another movie, another Netflix series, or both, Resident Evil is long overdue a faithful adaptation that does the source material justice. At this point, we'd even take a Paul W.S. Anderson sequel to Resident Evil: The Final Chapter.
