On June 6, Netflix revealed that a series adaptation of Capcom’s popular survival horror video game, Resident Evil, is arriving on their platform. Since 1996, many sequels, novelizations, and even a live-action film franchise have been released.
The new Resident Evil series was first announced in 2020, greenlit with eight one-hour-long episodes. Andrew Dabb, known for his work on Supernatural, is the creator, writer, and executive producer of the upcoming series. The cast includes Lance Reddick, Ella Balinska, Adeline Rudolph, and many more. Reddick stars as Albert Wesker, Balinska as Jade Wesker, and Rudolph as Billie.
Although the Resident Evil franchise has had numerous adaptations, it is no stranger to live-action. The first mainline installment featured live-action cutscenes, the only instance of such in the video games. The live-action film franchise from Paul W. S. Anderson is (in)famous for its loose connections to the source material; Capcom encouraged creative liberties out of fear that fans would stop playing the games in favor of watching the films.
Umbrella Brings Complete Global Annihilation in Resident Evil
In Netflix’s new series, sisters Jade and Billie Wesker move into New Raccoon City, where the pharmaceutical company Umbrella Corporation strives to atone for past crimes that led to global chaos and mass destruction. During their time in their new home, they slowly discover dark secrets about the town, Umbrella, and the girls’ infamous father, Albert Wesker. The story will be split into two time periods; the first will take place in 2022 at the beginning of the outbreak in New Raccoon City, and the second will be in 2036 in the streets of London.
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As it was established in the second trailer, Umbrella manufactured a concoction codenamed “Joy”. Although it was advertised as a miracle drug that can treat OCD, reduce anxiety, and enhance focus, it contains the T-Virus. In the Resident Evil franchise, the T-Virus had mutagenic properties, afflicting the victim with necrosis and destroying their higher brain functions, transforming them into an aggressive, ravenous monster driven only by primal instincts. Umbrella designed the T-Virus as part of their eugenics research and B.O.W. (Bio Organic Weapon) development.
Within the trailer, long-time fans can spot references to the franchise. Monsters such as the Zombies, the Cerberus (zombie Doberman), Web Spinners (giant spiders), and the Licker are prominently featured, all of which are products of the T-Virus. What appears to be the Tyrant also appears at the end of the trailer, in a recreation of its introductory scene from the first game.
Since the iconic red-and-white umbrella logo is used in 2036, it implies that the new series is a different continuity from the main games. This is supported with the T-Virus still being the primary mutagen that converts living organisms into horrifying monsters. Wesker also has a presence in the Netflix series despite both time periods taking place long after his death at the end of Resident Evil 5, set in 2009. Although elements from multiple installments are compiled into the series, it is still unconfirmed if Wesker’s illegitimate son Jake Muller (introduced in Resident Evil 6) will be involved in the story.
The new Resident Evil series will arrive on Netflix on July 14, 2022.
Are you looking forward to Netflix’s Resident Evil series? What secrets will the Wesker sisters discover in their new home? What is your favorite Resident Evil game? Let us know in the comments!
Source: Resident Evil | Official Trailer | Netflix – YouTube
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