Zach Cregger Says He Feels Like He's 'Running for Office' Trying to Get Skeptical Resident Evil Fans 'Not to Call Me a LARPer'

September 6, 2026 - 23:41

Director Zach Cregger has admitted that the process of making his upcoming Resident Evil film has sometimes felt less like a creative project and more like a political race. In a recent interview, the filmmaker said he feels like he is "running for office" as he tries to convince skeptical fans of the Capcom franchise that he is the right person for the job.

Cregger, known for the horror hit Barbarian, explained that a portion of the fanbase is deeply protective of the source material. He says his goal is to avoid being dismissed as a "LARPer," a term used to describe someone who pretends to be deeply invested in a community without genuine understanding. The director acknowledged the challenge of earning trust from people who have seen previous adaptations miss the mark.

He described the effort as a constant conversation with the audience, trying to show that he respects the games' history and tone. Cregger noted that he understands the wariness, given how often video game movies have disappointed fans in the past. Still, he remains committed to making something that honors the original while standing on its own. He said the real work is not just making the movie, but also proving to the most passionate fans that their concerns have been heard.