Since the early 2000s, the Resident Evil movies have often been seen as a bit goofy. The films focused more on action sequences than on developing plot and characters, unlike the video games they were based on, which are known for their campy elements. Johannes Roberts is aiming to shift this balance with the upcoming Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City, a movie based on the stories of the first two Resident Evil games.
In an interview with IGN, Roberts mentioned that while he does appreciate the original Resident Evil movies starring Milla Jovovich, he felt they did not truly capture the essence of the game. He expressed a desire to return to the horror roots of the franchise, focusing more on creating a tense atmosphere and providing scares rather than just action. Roberts also acknowledged the fans’ similar desire to see the iconic characters and settings from the game world reflected in the movie.
‘Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City’ first look photos ? @getfandomgaming
Hitting theaters Nov. 24
(via @SonyPictures) pic.twitter.com/YeqdrRtqeK
— Fandom (@getFANDOM) August 30, 2021
Roberts aims to depart from the sleek, futuristic look of the previous trilogy and return to the dirty, post-apocalyptic setting of Raccoon City. He drew inspiration from the atmospheric and cinematic tone of the game remakes, particularly the second one. The upcoming movie has a darker and grittier visual aesthetic, focusing on night scenes with constant rain and a mist-covered town.
Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City is set to premiere in theaters on November 24, 2021.