A Video Game Movie That Killed a Franchise is Making Its Way to Hulu

by

Adapting popular stories into movies often comes with the hope of creating a long-running franchise, and that’s especially true for films based on video games. Many successful game series already have multiple sequels and spin-offs, so a movie adaptation naturally aims for the same. However, one action-horror movie series, based on a well-loved game, was stopped in its tracks by a reboot. Now, before the franchise can even attempt another fresh start, it’s heading to Hulu.

The sci-fi horror film Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City will be available to stream on Hulu starting February 23rd. Released in theaters in 2021, the movie was intended as a fresh start for the Resident Evil film series, which previously had six live-action movies. Starring Kaya Scodelario, Hannah John-Kamen, and Robbie Amell, Welcome to Raccoon City didn’t do well with audiences or critics, and a planned sequel was cancelled. This has led to yet another reboot of the film series, expected to be released in theaters later this year.

Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City May End Up Just a Temporary Setback For the Resident Evil Franchise

Most people agree that Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City wasn’t a very good movie. Both fans and critics found it disappointing and cheap-looking, particularly due to poor special effects and character designs. The story felt rushed and confusing, as it tried to cram elements from the first two Resident Evil games into one film. Many also criticized the acting and the lack of genuine scares. It was considered a low point for the movie series and initially seemed to signal the end of the franchise. However, despite its poor reception, there’s a possibility we haven’t seen the last of it.

A new Resident Evil movie is coming out in 2025, written and directed by Zach Cregger. The film will feature Austin Abrams, Paul Walter Hauser, Zach Cherry, and Kali Reis, and is scheduled for release on September 18th. This reboot aims to be the strong restart the Resident Evil series was hoping for with Welcome to Raccoon City, but with a more original feel, less tied to past movies. Cregger has stated he wasn’t familiar with the previous Resident Evil films and is basing this new version more closely on the video games, particularly Resident Evil 2, Resident Evil 3: Nemesis, and Resident Evil 4. Considering his previous work on films like Weapons and Barbarian, and his commitment to the source material, this Resident Evil reboot has the potential to be exactly what the franchise needs. In the meantime, fans can watch Welcome to Raccoon City on Hulu starting February 23rd.

What do you think? Leave a comment below and join the conversation now in the ComicBook Forum!

https://comicbook.com/movies/list/10-movie-sequels-even-better-than-the-originals/embed/#

Read More

2026-02-18 17:11