Resident Evil reboot was first announced back in 2017, and it is confirmed to be hitting theaters later this 2021. Now, the official title of the upcoming film has been revealed, with director Johannes Roberts confirming the reboot is called Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City.
Resident Evil film series originally debuted back in 2002, and it is based on a video game of the same name by Capcom. It consisted of a total of six movies and, reportedly, grossed more than over $1 billion in the box office. With Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City, the story may now go in an entirely different direction.
The reboot is said to be adapting the first two video game series, and it will be much closer to the original story of the video game. Reportedly, the first six movies have been criticized for departing from the plot of the source material. This time, the upcoming film is going to stick to the original story.
Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City will be set in 1998. The plot centers around the characters exploring the secrets of the Spencer Mansion, as well as the Raccoon City. It will serve as the origin story for the first and second games.
It can be noted that the first six film series starring Milla Jovovich just briefly explored the Spence Mansion and Raccoon City as the locations of the first and second games, respectively. Now, the reboot is returning to the original territories of the game, making it different from its predecessors.
Roberts likely wanted the reboot to differentiate the reboot from the other adaptations. The latest film might be a new era for the franchise and will bring the familiar story of the iconic video games. For now, fans may need to wait as the film is arriving before 2021 ends.
As for the cast of Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City, Kaya Scodelario will be playing the role of Claire Redfield. Other cast members include Robbie Amell as Chris Redfield, Hannah John-Kammen as Jill Valentine, Avan Jogia as Leon S. Kennedy, Tom Hopper as Albert Wesker, and Lily Gao as Ada Wong.
The movie began filming in October 2020 in Greater Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Then, production concluded in December of the same year and the official release date has been confirmed. Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City is coming to theaters on September 3, 2021.
