Netflix revealed fans' first look at the upcoming live-action Resident Evil series.
While the brief teaser trailer doesn't provide much in terms of the show's plot, the footage sets up a grim world over-run by another virus seemingly developed by the sinister Umbrella Corporation. Long-time video game antagonist Albert Wesker (Lance Reddick) is shown to be experimenting on a rat with what appears to be the blood of his own daughters, Billie and Jade. The trailer also teases a time jump as the characters try to survive in a post-apocalyptic wasteland amid swarms of humanoid zombies and plenty of grotesque creatures.
Based on Resident Evil's synopsis, the series will stand apart from the long-running video game franchise and will predominantly follow Jade Wesker in the year 2036. Beyond simply living in a world overrun by the undead, Jade will need to confront her past in New Raccoon City while coming to terms with the tragic death of her sister and the shadow of her evil father.
"The all-new series expansion brings the best of the Resident Evil DNA forward - bad-ass heroines, insane creatures (some new/some familiar), a battle for survival and of course, a deep mystery to unravel," reads the official description of the show. "Andrew Dabb (Supernatural) expands the directions with fresh storytelling, bone-chilling horror and an action-packed spectacle perfect for summer binging."
Beyond Reddick, Resident Evil stars Ella Balinska, Tamara Smart, Siena Agudong, Adeline Rudolph and Paola Nuñez. At the time of writing, it's currently unknown whether franchise heroes such as Chris Redfield, Jill Valentine or Leon S. Kennedy will make an appearance.
Speaking to CBR, Reddick discussed his limited knowledge of the Resident Evil franchise before he took the role, noting that he'd never heard of the games. "For years, I always thought the movies were standalone things. I never knew they were connected to anything. I didn't really know anything about Albert Wesker when this project came up. What attracted me to the project was the writing on the page." Reddick also revealed that the series' take on Wesker is very different from what long-time enthusiasts are expecting. "Fans of the games might have the reaction when they first start watching the show, 'This guy is Albert Wesker?' Then as the show goes on, they'll go, 'Oh! Yeah, this guy is Albert Wesker!'" said Reddick.
Resident Evil hits Netflix on July 14 and will consist of eight hour-long episodes.
Source: YouTube