Paul Walter Hauser cast in Zach Cregger's Resident Evil movie

Paul Walter Hauser has joined the cast of the new Resident Evil film.

The 38-year-old actor has been tapped to star in the new movie adaptation of the video game franchise of the same name that is being directed by Weapons helmer Zach Cregger.

The movie will also star Austin Abrams and has been written by Cregger alongside Shay Hatten.

Plot details haven't been divulged, but the previous Resident Evil movies have featured a blend of horror, sci-fi and action as they follow the adventures of a heroine fighting both zombies and the Umbrella Corporation - the bio-warfare company that set the undead loose.

Sony Pictures are releasing the film in September 2026 as they look to continue the success of a series that has grossed over $1.2 billion at the worldwide box office.

Cregger has assured fans of the Resident Evil games that he will be respectful of the console titles in his flick.

The 44-year-old filmmaker told Ringer: "It’s really a love letter to the games. Because I love those games. This is a story that I would’ve wanted to write whether I got the IP or not. I just happen to be able to have these Resident Evil people be down. So I get to play in that sandbox. I’m doing it because I think this movie is going to be awesome.”

Cregger also suggested that the film will be a classic zombie romp inspired by Sam Raimi's 1987 picture Evil Dead II.

The director said: "It’s gonna be not at all like Barbarian and Weapons. It’s going to be a rock ’em, sock ’em … it’s for me to play. And turn my brain off and just make an … Evil Dead 2 ... get crazy with the camera. Austin Abrams is gonna be my guy. It’s a weird, fun, wild story.

"This movie follows a person from point A to point B. It’s like a real time journey, where you just go deeper and deeper into the depths of hell."

Zach stressed that he just wants to make a film that "feels authentic to the experience" gamers get when playing the Resident Evil titles.

He told SFX magazine: "I'm trying to tell a story that just feels authentic to the experience you get when you play the games. I don't think I’m breaking any major rules, but I also recognise that no matter what I do, people are going to come for me online.

"So all I want to do is just make a really good movie and tell a story that's compelling. I know that I'm gonna be happy with the movie, and hopefully other people will, too."

However, Cregger suggested that he won't be "completely obedient" to what has been established in the video games.

The filmmaker said: "I am a gigantic Resident Evil game fan. I've played them all. I don't know how many times I've just looped [Resident Evil 4] again and again. I just love it.

"I'm definitely not trying to be completely obedient to the lore of the games."