Director Zach Cregger has revealed that he substantially revised his upcoming Resident Evil film based on feedback from test screenings, according to an interview with the Hollywood Reporter.
After hearing from audiences that the movie was “too funny,” Cregger made the decision to strip out jokes throughout the editing process. “I stripped out as much of the jokes as possible,” he told THR. “I then found that not only did the audience enjoy the movie more, but I also liked the movie a lot more.”
Cregger emphasized that humor and horror can coexist in film, but balance is critical. “A little bit of humor goes a long way in a horror movie, and there’s not a single joke I took out of this movie that I miss,” he said. “So that perspective was really helpful.”
The director acknowledged the challenge of adapting a video game franchise with diverse fan expectations. “There are different kinds of Resident Evil fans,” Cregger explained. He identified two main groups: those who appreciate the gameplay experience and those who prioritize the lore, characters, and backstory details.
Cregger’s film aims to capture the experience of playing the games rather than serve as a comprehensive adaptation of the franchise’s narrative. “I have to make the best version of this movie that I’m capable of making and devote myself entirely to it. I cannot be worried about whether I am pleasing enough of every spectrum of fandom,” he said.
Known for balancing horror and absurdity in films like Barbarian and Weapons, Cregger has experience walking the line between genuine scares and comedic moments. The test screening feedback led him to recalibrate that balance for Resident Evil, prioritizing horror elements over humor in the final cut.
Key facts
- Zach Cregger removed jokes from Resident Evil after test audiences said it was too funny
- The director found that audiences and he personally enjoyed the film more after cutting the humor
- Cregger stated that “a little bit of humor goes a long way in a horror movie”
- He acknowledged different types of Resident Evil fans but prioritized capturing the gameplay experience over satisfying all fan preferences