Zach Cregger cut most of Resident Evil’s jokes after test screenings

Resident Evil is losing most of its jokes after test audiences decided Zach Cregger’s horror film was too funny. The director said the change made the film work better for viewers — and for him.

Resident Evil movie jokes did not survive testing

Cregger discussed the edit in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, reported by IGN. He said audiences liked the film but felt it leaned too far into comedy, so he removed as many jokes as possible during the testing process.

“I learned that people really liked the movie, but they thought it was too funny. So over the course of my testing, I stripped out as much of the jokes as possible. I then found that not only did the audience enjoy the movie more, but I also liked the movie a lot more. A little bit of humour goes a long way in a horror movie, and there’s not a single joke I took out of this movie that I miss.”

Zach Cregger, speaking to The Hollywood Reporter

The change fits Cregger’s earlier comments about building a more direct survival-horror film. His version follows Bryan, a medical courier played by Austin Abrams, through an original story set during the Raccoon City outbreak rather than retelling Leon Kennedy’s campaign. Earlier footage showed first-person sequences and an Umbrella connection, while Cregger has also been trying to reassure fans who wanted a closer adaptation of the games.

When does Resident Evil release in the UAE?

VOX Cinemas UAE lists Resident Evil for 17 September 2026, one day before the US release. The listing gives the film an 18TC rating and says it will screen in English with Arabic subtitles. Sony’s wider theatrical release is set for 18 September.

That gives UAE audiences an early look at Cregger’s version of the franchise. The Resident Evil movie jokes may be fewer by then, but the release date is clear. It also gives the film one fewer day to explain why the funny bits had to go.