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Paul Walter Hauser Joins ‘Resident Evil’ Adaptation by Weapons Director

By Riin / 19 Sep 2025 (Friday)

According to Deadline's sources, Paul Walter Hauser is confirmed in the cast of Resident Evil for Sony Pictures. Though it is not clear what character Hauser will be playing in the sci-fi zombie horror adaptation, it's possible that it'll be a very physical role, given the actor's past experience with WWE.

Joining along is Austin Abrams, who previously worked with Cregger in his horror hit Weapons earlier this year. Abrams has already made a name for himself with starring in zombie-infested drama, The Walking Dead, and Ethan Daley from HBO's Euphoria.

Contrary to early speculation, neither Austin Abrams nor any of the confirmed cast will be playing Leon, the main protagonist of several Resident Evil games.

Zach Cregger has spoken with The Hollywood Reporter that it will be an original screenplay, nor will it follow the tone of past Resident Evil adaptation, which he has never seen.

"It has nothing to do with any of the other Resident Evil movies. If I do my job, it will feel fresh and edgy and weird."

In a seperate interview with Inverse, Zach Cregger reassures fans:

“I am the biggest worshiper of the games, so I’m telling a story that is a love letter to the games and follows the rules of the games.”

In an interview with Double Toasted, Cregger has fed into more fan anticipation by letting them know that his version will live in the world of Resident Evil 2 and 3, but adopts the tone of Resident Evil 4 – noted as the fandom's favourite for years.

Shooting for Resident Evil has already been confirmed, with cameras due to begin rolling this October in Prague through the end of January 2026. The decision to film in Prague has been cited from the city's forgiving tax rebates and Cregger's belief that "It's the right place."

Resident Evil will release in cinemas on September 17, 2026.

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Paul Walter Hauser Joins ‘Resident Evil’ Adaptation by Weapons Director