Paul Walter Hauser is fresh off his big-scale role as the Mole Man in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, and now he has officially joined Zach Cregger’s upcoming movie, Resident Evil (via Deadline). Cregger’s next horror outing is based on Capcom’s video game franchise, and Hauser’s casting brings even more momentum to his already impressive career.
After playing side characters for a while, Hauser is now recognized for his Emmy and Golden Globe-winning performance in Black Bird. He’s built a reputation as an actor whose versatility allows him to tap into any genre.
So, let’s look at some more details about the Resident Evil movie and the actor’s gradual rise in the entertainment industry.
After Weapons’ Success, Zach Cregger Will Dominate Horror with Resident Evil
Barbarian was Zach Cregger’s breakout hit, and Weapons, his recent ambitious project, exceeded all expectations in terms of rating and box office haul. He’s currently one of the most talked-about filmmakers, so it’s no surprise that Sony Pictures has entrusted him with Resident Evil.
The horror franchise has already spawned several live-action films and animated projects, boasting a huge fan base in the gaming industry. On the Double Toasted podcast, Cregger revealed that “it takes place in the world of the game” and it will follow a single protagonist who gradually descends “deeper and deeper and deeper into Hell.”
He cited Resident Evil 4 as an inspiration for the tone, while the settings may feel closer to Resident Evil 2 and 3. Cregger also made it clear that he won’t be taking many creative liberties and has chosen “coloring within the lines.”
Production for Cregger’s Resident Evil will begin in October 2025 in Prague (via Polygon). And this is yet another chance for the director to dominate the horror genre, and if successful, his feature could set the standard for future video game adaptations.
Fantastic Four’s Paul Walter Hauser Continues His Steady Rise in Hollywood
Paul Walter Hauser has had one of Hollywood’s most remarkable career trajectories. The way he transitioned from small supporting roles in shows like Cobra Kai to one of the most in-demand actors working today is commendable!
Here’s an overview of his best roles:
Though Hauser’s breakthrough came in Clint Eastwood’s Richard Jewell, he was absolutely terrifying as the serial killer in Black Bird. From there, his momentum has been unstoppable, and in this year alone, he’s been in movies like Inside Out 2, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, and Liam Neeson’s starrer, The Naked Gun.
So, are you excited to see how Zach Cregger puts Hauser’s talent to use in Resident Evil?
Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil is slated to release in theaters on September 18, 2026 (USA).