First reviews for Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil, opening in theaters September 2026, call the film one of the best video game movies ever and point to Austin Abrams as a central reason. Rotten Tomatoes published the review roundup on September 16, 2026.
The headline assessment is clear. Critics say Cregger’s take is briskly paced, funny, and true to the spirit of the games. The consensus reads: Not Just the Best Resident Evil Movie, but One of the Best Video Game Movies Ever.
Austin Abrams in Resident Evil 2026
Austin Abrams stars as the lead in the reboot. He is known for Euphoria. He is now positioned as the anchor of a horror franchise.
The casting addresses a specific pain point. The 2021 film Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City underperformed. Audiences demanded video game fidelity. They also wanted a grounded, relatable lead in a creature feature.
Can an Euphoria teen drama actor carry horror? The first reviews suggest yes.
Career Pivot
Abrams’ recent credits include Euphoria, The Killing of a Sacred Deer, and Minx. The range spans vulnerable indie drama to dry humor.
The pivot signals Cregger’s tonal shift. Cregger directed Barbarian. He favors character-driven horror with wit.
First Reviews Breakdown
Rotten Tomatoes notes critics praise brisk pacing and humor. The film is described as true to the spirit of the games.
The New York Times review frames the film as Return to Raccoon City. The review emphasizes tone and return to franchise roots.
The Houston Chronicle review states: Review: Zach Cregger’s ‘Resident Evil’ is killer horror on a tasty slice of wry. The review highlights horror effectiveness and comedic timing.
Contrasting Persona
Abrams plays an underdog everyman. The role contrasts with classic Resident Evil action heroes.
His dry comedic timing balances Cregger’s horror. He provides an emotional anchor during the Raccoon City outbreak.
Fan reaction tracks the Euphoria to horror transformation. The contrast is the film’s marketing hook.
Direction and Tone
Cregger controls tone. The screenplay leans into character over exposition.
The approach differs from previous adaptations. It prioritizes audience identification with Abrams’ character.
What It Means
The contrast persona strategy works in early critical response. It bridges drama credibility and horror accessibility.
Abrams’ career trajectory shifts with a franchise lead. The reboot’s success will be measured at box office and reviews.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Who is Austin Abrams playing in Resident Evil 2026?
- A: Austin Abrams stars as the lead in Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil reboot, serving as the anchor for the horror franchise.
- Q: What did critics say about Austin Abrams in the Resident Evil reboot?
- A: Early reviews cite Abrams as a central reason the film succeeds, praising his grounded, relatable performance in a briskly paced, funny, game-faithful horror movie.
- Q: Why was Austin Abrams cast after Euphoria?
- A: The casting addresses demand for video game fidelity and a relatable lead after 2021’s underperformance, with Abrams’ range from Euphoria, The Killing of a Sacred Deer and Minx fitting Cregger’s character-driven horror tone.
- Q: When does Resident Evil 2026 open in theaters?
- A: Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil is set to open in theaters in September 2026, with the review roundup published September 16, 2026.
Extended Reading
Resident Evil First Reviews: Not Just the Best Resident Evil Movie, but One of the Best Video Game Movies Ever. Rotten Tomatoes editorial, September 16, 2026. Critics describe Cregger’s take as pure escapist fun that’s briskly paced, surprisingly funny, and true to the spirit of the games.
Resident Evil Review: Return to Raccoon City. The New York Times, September 17, 2026.
Review: Zach Cregger’s ‘Resident Evil’ is killer horror on a tasty slice of wry. Houston Chronicle.