Another day, another Resident Evil adaptation to write about.
Deadline is reporting that Constantin Film has greenlit a brand new Resident Evil film from writer/director Johannes Roberts (47 Meters Down). Constantin is promising a faithful adaptation that takes its influence from the original two RE games. To prove how faithful it’ll be, they have cast a slew of performers as iconic Resident Evil characters. Kaya Scodelario will be Claire Redfield and Robbie Amell will play her brother Chris. Hannah John-Kamen will portray Jill Valentine while Tom Hopper will play Albert Wesker. Avan Jogia will play Leon Kennedy and Neal McDonough will play William Birkin. Die hard RE fans recognize those names and that gives them hope that this really will be a movie that actually feels like the game series that came before.
For his part, Roberts is pledging to make a movie that re-creates “the terrifying visceral experience I had playing [the original first two games] whilst at the same time telling a grounded human story about a small dying American town that feels both relatable and relevant to today’s audiences.” Okay, Mr. Roberts, consider me intrigued.
Fans have been hopeful for a faithful adaptation of the video game series for ages now. There have long been rumors about Constantin creating just that so hopefully they deliver after all this time. As I have said before, if they are able to reproduce the terror and tension that players felt during the first Resident Evil game and its sequel then we are all in for a treat.
This new RE shouldn’t be confused with Netflix’s two Resident Evil projects in the works. The streaming service is plotting a live-action Evil that sounds a lot like the Milla Jovovich movies as well as a recently-announced anime series. While I am into both of those productions (the anime looks quite good), this adaptation from Roberts is now officially my most anticipated Resident Evil. Bring us back to the roots!