Sony Pictures is preparing to restart its long-running Resident Evil franchise with a new adaptation that aims to return to the series’ video game roots. Directed by Zach Cregger, whose recent hits include Weapons and Barbarian, the film is slated to begin production in Prague later this month, positioning the Czech capital once again as a hub for high-profile international genre filmmaking.
Cregger’s version will diverge from the ensemble-heavy films of the past, focusing on a single protagonist navigating a world of mutated creatures and corporate conspiracies. Leading the cast is Austin Abrams, who memorably featured in Cregger’s Weapons, with a newly-announced ensemble now including Emmy-nominated Zach Cherry (Severance), rising star Kali Reis (True Detective), Johnno Wilson (Twisted Metal), and Paul Walter Hauser (Black Bird, Richard Jewell, The Naked Gun).
Filming in Prague underscores the city’s growing reputation as a center for horror and genre productions. The project has been allocated approximately CZK 191 million ($9.1 million) in incentives by the Czech Audiovisual Fund, suggesting a total local spend of around CZK 764 million ($36.4 million) under the country’s 25 percent rebate plan.
Cregger’s vision for a game-inspired horror film
Cregger’s approach to Resident Evil emphasizes a closer connection to the original Capcom games than prior live-action adaptations. Rather than following the multi-character storylines that defined the Paul W. S. Anderson-directed films of the 2000s or the 2021 reboot, Cregger intends to focus tightly on a single protagonist.
In interviews, he described the film as “true to the experience of the games,” offering audiences a journey that mirrors the escalating tension and immersion of gameplay.
Cregger co-wrote the screenplay with Shay Hatten, known for his work on John Wick: Chapter 4 and Ballerina. Plot details remain largely under wraps, though key elements include a hapless courier, a mysterious package, mutated creatures, and corporate intrigue.
Abrams’ character will serve as the audience’s guide through this increasingly nightmarish world, while supporting roles promise fresh interpretations: Cherry plays a hospital scientist, Reis stars as an ex-military operative originally written for a male actor, and Wilson and Hauser join in undisclosed roles.
Resident Evil will be produced by Constantin Film and co-financed by Sony Pictures, with production led by Robert Kulzer (Constantin), Roy Lee and Miri Yoon (Vertigo Entertainment), and Asad Qizilbash and Carter Swan (PlayStation Productions). TriStar Pictures president Nicole Brown oversees the project for Sony, with Oliver Berben (Constantin) and Victor Hadida (Davis Films) serving as executive producers.
Prague as a hub for genre filmmaking
Prague has long attracted international productions, particularly in the horror and fantasy genres. Recent years have seen the city host Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu, the reboot of The Crow, and streaming series including Blade Runner 2099, Foundation, Interview with the Vampire, The Wheel of Time, and Carnival Row. Resident Evil continues this trend, with the city offering both historic locations and modern infrastructure suited for complex genre productions.
Stillking Films will manage local production, with shooting scheduled from mid-October through January 2026. The project benefits from Prague’s established production ecosystem, including experienced crews and competitive incentives.
Sony has set a theatrical release for Sept. 18, 2026, and Cregger’s meticulous pre-production planning indicates a tightly controlled schedule designed to maximize efficiency while capturing the dark, game-inspired atmosphere central to his vision. The director has been staying in Czech capital for months ahead of start the production.
With seven previous films and a mixed critical record, Resident Evil faces high expectations. Cregger’s adaptation seeks to balance franchise familiarity with original storytelling, aiming to resonate with both long-time fans and new audiences. Prague’s involvement in the project underscores the city’s continuing role as a key location for international genre filmmaking, offering a mix of historic architecture, skilled crews, and financial incentives that attract Hollywood productions.
Lead photo: Zach Cherry in Severance (2022); Kali Reis in True Detective (2024); Paul Walter Hauser in The Naked Gun (2025)
