Leon Kennedy is Zach Cregger’s choice of bodyguard: ‘I would just bear hug myself around him’
Director Zach Cregger has made his choice clear: Leon Kennedy would be his ideal bodyguard from the Resident Evil franchise. According to PlayStation Blog, when asked which RE character he would want protecting him throughout the events of his Resident Evil film, Cregger selected Kennedy without hesitation. Expressing his confidence in the character, Cregger joked that he would “just bear hug myself around him”—a humorous way of conveying the sense of security Leon’s presence would provide.
Kennedy represents what Cregger considers “the only valid answer” to the hypothetical bodyguard question. The director did acknowledge a few alternatives, specifically mentioning Jill Valentine as an acceptable substitute, and possibly Billy Coen—though he noted the challenge of recruiting Coen from the woods.
The comment highlights the appeal and credibility of Resident Evil’s most capable characters. Leon Kennedy’s selection makes intuitive sense given his established role as a central protagonist throughout the Resident Evil series, with proven survival and combat abilities across multiple franchise entries. His popularity among fans and reputation for competence in high-stakes situations makes him the natural choice for protection.