Sony has released the first trailer for Resident Evil, offering a new look at director Zach Cregger’s take on the iconic horror franchise. The film, set to arrive in cinemas on 18 September 2026, stars Austin Abrams as a lone survivor navigating a zombie-infested world across a single night.
The project marks a notable shift for Cregger, who rose to prominence with Barbarian and Weapons. While a move into a major franchise initially seemed unexpected, the trailer suggests a more contained and character-driven approach, focusing almost entirely on Abrams’ journey rather than a large ensemble.
The footage introduces Bryan, a medical courier attempting a delivery to Raccoon City before becoming caught in a rapidly escalating nightmare. Shot for IMAX and set largely over one night, the film leans into a stripped-back survival story, with Abrams appearing as the only character on screen throughout the trailer. Despite this, the wider cast includes Paul Walter Hauser, Kali Reis and Zach Cherry, who are expected to appear as fellow survivors within the film’s broader narrative.
For CultureCues, the trailer builds its tension well, leaning into shadowy visuals, bloodied moments and flashes of zombie horror without giving too much away. It suggests a more focused, atmospheric take on Resident Evil, one that understands the dread of the games as much as the violence. It feels closer to a standalone horror story than a direct adaptation, which may be exactly what the series needs, and it has us looking forward to seeing how the full film plays out.
Resident Evil arrives in cinemas on 18 September 2026.
Video: RESIDENT EVIL – Official Teaser Trailer (4K) via YouTube
Nikki Murray is a UK-based writer, screenwriter and founder & editor of CultureCues, covering film, television, music and pop culture. Her work focuses on storytelling, emerging voices and the cultural moments shaping modern entertainment.