We all know what the definition of insanity is at this point, but the fact many fans of the Resident Evil franchise have been lamenting the realization they’ve never been given a worthy adaptation of the iconic video game series after 20 years and countless attempts possibly indicates that the property should be set aside and given some breathing space for once.
Paul W.S. Anderson and Milla Jovovich may have orchestrated the highest-grossing string of console-to-screen translations of all-time after their saga racked up over $1.2 billion at the box office, but it would be an understatement to say that none of them were unanimously well-received.
Reboot Welcome to Raccoon City claimed to be the movie the die-hards had been waiting for and ended up cratering at the box office, before Netflix’s episodic effort found itself torn to shreds by critics, casuals, and longtime appreciators of the Resident Evil lore alike, which led to the panned show being canned after a single season.
That’s not a great track record, and not too long after it was rumored yet another reboot operating under the working title The Umbrella Chronicles was in early development, it seems to have taken a step forward towards production. The city of Sudbury – which was used as one of the filming locations for Welcome to Raccoon City – has been awarded $2 million by the provincial government for the aforementioned project, which is terrifying news.
Do we need yet another live-action Resident Evil? Absolutely not. However, it looks like we’re getting one anyway.