Resident Evil Movie Follows An “Idiot,” Director Likens Story To Lord Of The Rings
Director Zach Cregger’s upcoming Resident Evil film adaptation will follow an unconventional protagonist—not a trained soldier, but an “everyman” medical courier named Bryan, played by Austin Abrams. In an interview with Empire, Cregger explained that the character deliberately contrasts with typical video game heroes, possessing no combat skills and minimal survival expertise.
Cregger described the narrative structure as akin to J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, with Bryan thrust into a dangerous, horrific adventure despite being fundamentally unprepared for such circumstances. The director framed the story as Bryan—an ordinary person—burdened with a “sacred mission” that drives him into the heart of the Resident Evil universe, comparable to Frodo’s journey into Mordor.
This approach represents a significant departure from the video game series, which typically features trained protagonists like S.T.A.R.S. operatives or special forces operatives. By centering the narrative on an incompetent but well-meaning character, Cregger appears to be crafting an adventure story that emphasizes character development and emotional stakes over action expertise. The Barbarian director’s vision suggests the film will blend horror elements with a character-driven narrative that emphasizes how an ordinary person responds to extraordinary, dangerous circumstances.