The Resident Evil franchise is getting a fresh start on the big screen. Zach Cregger, the director behind the 2022 cult horror film Barbarian, has been tapped to write and direct a new live-action Resident Evil movie, marking a reboot for the iconic zombie series.

The Resident Evil series, which debuted in 1996, has become a cornerstone of the survival horror genre. While previous film adaptations exist, Cregger's involvement promises a new direction, capitalizing on his unique approach to horror.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Cregger's attachment to the project has sparked a bidding war among studios like Warner Bros. and Netflix.  Cregger's success with Barbarian has drawn comparisons to acclaimed horror directors like Jordan Peele, Ari Aster, and Robert Eggers, raising anticipation for his take on Resident Evil.

The film will be produced by Constantin Film, the same studio behind the six Milla Jovovich-led Resident Evil films. While those films had mixed reception from fans, they performed well at the box office.  Combined with the recent success of Capcom's Resident Evil game remakes,  the new film has generated significant buzz.

Sources suggest that Cregger's adaptation will be more faithful to the games than previous iterations, though story details remain under wraps.  Fans have expressed excitement online, hoping the success of recent game remakes translates into a substantial budget for Cregger's vision.

The positive reception to recent video game adaptations like HBO's The Last of Us and Amazon's Fallout has further fueled optimism.  Many hope Cregger's Resident Evil will satisfy longtime fans while also attracting new viewers. The involvement of a director with Cregger's rising reputation has certainly captured the attention of both studios and audiences alike.