Resident Evil Requiem Unveils Mini Movie Prequel Featuring Longlegs’ Lead Character

No matter how the upcoming Resident Evil film directed by Zach Cregger turns out, 2026 has already gifted us a fantastic live-action interpretation of the franchise with a prequel short film that sets the stage for Resident Evil Requiem. This short not only effectively adapts the events leading up to Requiem but also features some notable talent, with Maika Monroe, known for her roles in It Follows and Longlegs, taking the lead.

Titled “Evil Has Always Had A Name,” this three-minute film follows a mother and daughter navigating the chaos of the Raccoon City outbreak in 1998. It provides a brief yet intense glimpse into the horrors faced by the city’s residents during the events of Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3. Fans will recognize a chilling moment when the Nemesis from RE3 yells “STARS!” at a pivotal point, anchoring the short firmly within the Resident Evil timeline.

The short film carries a somber tone and effectively illustrates the transformation into zombies as depicted in the games. This process isn’t an instant shift into mindless undead; instead, it unfolds gradually. It also hints at how the developers of Resident Evil Requiem are innovating the portrayal of zombies, giving them actions and behaviors that reflect their former lives.

The narrative of “Evil Has Always Had A Name” and the early Resident Evil games will play a crucial role in Resident Evil Requiem, which takes place decades after the Raccoon City Destruction Incident and features the return of Leon S. Kennedy from RE2. Additionally, the game will introduce a new character, Grace Ashcroft, who has connections to the Resident Evil Outbreak sub-series.

Resident Evil Requiem is set to launch on February 27 for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X. Meanwhile, a larger Resident Evil film is scheduled to hit theaters on September 18.