Back in January, Deadline reported that a Netflix Original series based on the Resident Evil games is in the works, and while plot details remain vague and casting details are still non-existent, that’s not to say that we’re completely in the dark about the action-horror property’s jump to live-action television.
For one thing, going back to the original Deadline report, it’s said that the show is going to “expand the Resident Evil universe and deepen the existing mythology.” While the series will reportedly keep the basic premise of the property, the project is likely to diverge from Paul W.S. Anderson’s films by putting more emphasis on the “dark inner workings of the Umbrella Corporation and the new world order caused by the outbreak of the T-virus.” It’s also reported that the show will contain all the signature elements of the franchise, including action sequences and Easter eggs.
Another thing we know is that production is being handled by Constantin Film, the German company behind not just the live-action Resident Evil efforts, but also such Anderson-helmed releases as Pompeii and the upcoming Monster Hunter, not to mention every Fantastic Four movie. And if that track record raises a few red flags for you, then you’re not the only one who’s skeptical about this show. When the news first broke that a Netflix series was in development, many fans were immediately sold on the idea, but plenty others are approaching the project with a pinch of cynicism.
In any case, since production is in no sign of kicking off anytime soon, it could be a while before Resident Evil season 1 completes its journey to screens, but right now, the expected premiere date falls somewhere in the region of late 2020 to early 2021. In the meantime, here’s hoping that Constantin can at least offer some updates on the Resident Evil movie reboot that they’re also reportedly working on.