Resident Evil Movie Director Explains Snowy Setting and Modern Tech

There's undeniable hype and chatter for filmmaker Zach Cregger's Resident Evil movie, but one talking point from fans concerns the evident differences in setting between the adaptation and the Resident Evil 2 game, despite the film 'living in the world' of that game.

Director Zach Cregger addressed the creative choices behind setting his Resident Evil movie in the present day with a snowy backdrop. He emphasized taking liberties to tell his story and create a unique visual style, diverging from a direct adaptation of Resident Evil 2. Cregger's film, premiering on September 18 this year, features contemporary iPhones and a wintry outbreak setting, a departure from the original game's 1998 timeline.

Despite diverging from the game's specifics, Cregger's film aims to capture the essence of the Resident Evil universe while introducing an original narrative. The director's approach, evident in the latest trailer, includes nods to the game series and a tonal alignment with Resident Evil's horror elements. Cregger's decision to set the movie in the present day reflects his desire to evoke the spirit of the games rather than replicate them verbatim, a choice that he believes strengthens the film's impact.