The new “Resident Evil” series will start on Netflix in just over two months. A recently published interview now reveals fresh details about the show, including how it relates to the video game template.
Just yesterday, VoD provider Netflix released the first teaser trailer for its upcoming Resident Evil series. While this was the first in-depth look at the project for many fans of the legendary survival horror series, colleagues at TheGamer already one step further. They were allowed to watch the first two episodes of the series and also interview showrunner Andrew Dabb (“Supernatural”).
Series considers video game history to be canon
Dabb was available for a few questions after the two episodes had been shown and explained that the model for the implementation of the Netflix series was the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which has been able to celebrate huge successes at the international box office with great regularity for more than ten years now. The MCU would not implement the comic template true to the original, but would give itself some creative freedom.
According to the showrunner, he and his colleagues would take a similar approach with their show. The video games, for example, are the canon of the series and everyone involved is aware of what is happening in the games. “We didn’t knowingly violate any rules of the games, but at the same time it’s not a direct adaptation of the games,” Dabb continues. Based on Eric Switzer, who was allowed to conduct the interview, this approach would already work well in the first two episodes.
Dabb then revealed there’s a very good reason why Resident Evil villain Albert Wesker is back on the upcoming Netflix show. Back because the plot actually takes place after the events of “Resident Evil 5” and we learn how the villain continued after the extensive lava bath in a volcano. Wesker isn’t the only familiar face fans can look forward to seeing, as the production’s showrunner says there will also be reunions with other iconic characters from the franchise.
In one case or another, the series might even explore what’s happened to the characters since we last saw them in games. “In some cases we know that from watching the games, in other cases we have literally no idea. That opened up some interesting opportunities for us,” Dabb continued. Incidentally, one of the characters who could have an appearance in the Netflix series is also Fan favorite Lady Dimitrescu from “Resident Evil Village” – assuming the show should be renewed for a second season. Work on the show began before development of Village, so an appearance by the vampire lady, who is definitely part of the project’s lore, was definitely an option.
Andrew Dabb has hopes that the Resident Evil series will serve as an entry point into the brand for many people. The series will explore Albert Wesker’s past, for example, using video games. However, he is aware that the franchise has now assumed such enormous proportions that even long-time fans can hardly keep track of everything.
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He just hopes people who are familiar with the previous games or movies will be able to enjoy the series. The same applies to people who are new to the franchise. “I hope it can be a gateway to a larger Resident Evil world for those people. I hope they jump in with both feet because these are fantastic games,” concludes Dabb.
And what is Eric Switzer’s first impression of the upcoming Netflix series? Pretty positive. He felt the show could score particularly well with its two main characters, sibling duo Jade and Billie. Those responsible managed to establish the two sisters as “dynamic, captivating characters in an exceptionally short time.” In the first episode, there would be a big focus on the high school drama about the two girls, but fans would at the latest realize at the end of said episode that this is not “Riverdale with zombies”.
Resident Evil premieres worldwide exclusively on Netflix on July 14, 2022.
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