Zach Cregger Frustrated by Fan Reaction to 'Resident Evil' Reboot
Director Zach Cregger expresses disappointment that discussions around his 'Resident Evil' film focus more on its alignment with the video games than on the movie itself.
Zach Cregger, director of the latest 'Resident Evil' reboot, has expressed his frustration over the conversation surrounding his film not being centered on the movie itself. Instead, much of the discussion has revolved around whether the movie met the expectations of video game fans and if it aligned closely enough with the source material. This sentiment comes despite the film earning $400 million globally, making it the highest-grossing installment in the franchise.
The 'Resident Evil' reboot, which opened in September with $60 million domestically and $108 million globally, has been met with positive reviews from critics. However, hardcore fans have criticized the film for its lack of storyline and character connection to the beloved video game series. Cregger made the decision to create an original story for the film, diverging from the traditional narrative of the games.
Cregger's choice to venture into new storytelling territory was met with mixed reactions. While the film's success is undeniable, with $157.399 million earned in North America and $242.6 million overseas, the director acknowledged overlooking the intensity of gamer reactions. He now holds a 'never say never' attitude towards directing another franchise movie, though he remains uncertain about continuing to work with established intellectual properties like 'Resident Evil'.
Top overseas markets for 'Resident Evil' include China, where the film grossed $71.4 million, followed by the UK at $19.4 million and Mexico at $12.7 million. The movie was produced by Sony for $75 million, and as of the end of Halloween weekend, it had surpassed $400 million in global earnings. This success stands in contrast to previous attempts to revive the franchise, such as 'Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City', which were less successful.
Cregger's next project, 'The Flood', starring Jennifer Lawrence, is set to premiere on August 11, 2028. Despite the initial challenges faced with 'Resident Evil', Cregger feels successful and views his future work as a bonus. He also stars in the film as a medical courier battling a viral outbreak, alongside Austin Abrams.
What We Know
- Zach Cregger's 'Resident Evil' reboot has earned $400 million globally. 123
- The film received positive reviews. 23
- Zach Cregger expressed frustration over the fan reaction. 23
- 'Resident Evil' earned $157.399 million in North America and $242.6 million overseas. 1
- 'Resident Evil' is now the highest-grossing installment in the franchise, surpassing 'Resident Evil: The Final Chapter'. 1
- 'Resident Evil' opened in September with $60 million domestically and $108 million globally. 1
- 'Resident Evil' was directed by Zach Cregger and stars Austin Abrams as a medical courier fighting through a viral outbreak. 1
- Hardcore fans criticized the film for lack of storyline and character connection to the game series. 2
- Director Zach Cregger chose an original story for the film. 2
- Zach Cregger expressed frustration over the conversation around his Resident Evil film not focusing on the movie itself. 3
- Much of the discussion was about whether the movie met the standards of different video game fans and if it aligned with the source material. 3
- The film was released on September 18, 2023. 3
- As of the end of Halloween weekend, Resident Evil had grossed over $400 million globally. 3
- Top overseas markets for 'Resident Evil' include China ($71.4 million), the UK ($19.4 million), and Mexico ($12.7 million). 1
- Sony produced the movie for $75 million. 1
- Previous attempts to revive the franchise, such as 'Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City', were less successful. 1
- Milla Jovovich starred in the original 2002 'Resident Evil' film and its sequels. 1
- Cregger admitted overlooking the intensity of gamer reactions. 2
- Cregger previously stated he would not make another franchise movie but now has a 'never say never' attitude. 2
- Cregger feels successful and sees his future work as bonus. 2
- Cregger indicated he would consider directing a Resident Evil 2 but was unsure if he wanted to continue working with established IPs. 3
- Cregger's next film, The Flood, starring Jennifer Lawrence, is set to premiere on August 11, 2028. 3
Verification report
Likely accurate — probability of truth 73%, weighted across 22 claims from 3 independent outlets.
- confirmed Zach Cregger's 'Resident Evil' reboot has earned $400 million globally. (92%)
- likely The film received positive reviews. (82%)
- likely Zach Cregger expressed frustration over the fan reaction. (82%)
- likely 'Resident Evil' earned $157.399 million in North America and $242.6 million overseas. (71%)
- likely 'Resident Evil' is now the highest-grossing installment in the franchise, surpassing 'Resident Evil: The Final Chapter'. (71%)
- likely 'Resident Evil' opened in September with $60 million domestically and $108 million globally. (71%)
- likely 'Resident Evil' was directed by Zach Cregger and stars Austin Abrams as a medical courier fighting through a viral outbreak. (71%)
- likely Hardcore fans criticized the film for lack of storyline and character connection to the game series. (68%)
- likely Director Zach Cregger chose an original story for the film. (68%)
- likely Zach Cregger expressed frustration over the conversation around his Resident Evil film not focusing on the movie itself. (68%)
- likely Much of the discussion was about whether the movie met the standards of different video game fans and if it aligned with the source material. (68%)
- likely The film was released on September 18, 2023. (68%)
- likely As of the end of Halloween weekend, Resident Evil had grossed over $400 million globally. (68%)
- likely Top overseas markets for 'Resident Evil' include China ($71.4 million), the UK ($19.4 million), and Mexico ($12.7 million). (71%)
- likely Sony produced the movie for $75 million. (71%)
- likely Previous attempts to revive the franchise, such as 'Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City', were less successful. (71%)
- likely Milla Jovovich starred in the original 2002 'Resident Evil' film and its sequels. (71%)
- likely Cregger admitted overlooking the intensity of gamer reactions. (68%)
- likely Cregger previously stated he would not make another franchise movie but now has a 'never say never' attitude. (68%)
- likely Cregger feels successful and sees his future work as bonus. (68%)
- likely Cregger indicated he would consider directing a Resident Evil 2 but was unsure if he wanted to continue working with established IPs. (68%)
- likely Cregger's next film, The Flood, starring Jennifer Lawrence, is set to premiere on August 11, 2028. (68%)
Sources
- Variety — Box Office: Zach Cregger’s ‘Resident Evil’ Reboot Hits $400 Million Globally
https://variety.com/2026/film/box-office/resident-evil-box-office-milestone-highest-grossing-zach-cregger-reboot-1236936847/ - GameSpot — Resident Evil Director Reacts To Backlash: “I Should Have Known Better”
https://www.gamespot.com/articles/resident-evil-director-reacts-to-backlash-i-should-have-known-better/ - IGN — Zach Cregger Was 'Frustrated' the Conversation Around Resident Evil 'Didn't Have Anything to Do With the Movie'
https://www.ign.com/articles/zach-cregger-was-frustrated-the-conversation-around-resident-evil-didnt-have-anything-to-do-with-the-movie