Zach Cregger Talks Weapons, Barbarian, and Resident Evil
The writer-director reveals what inspired the character of Aunt Gladys, how Sam Raimi's Evil Dead II has influenced his work, and more.
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Nobody can predict where a Zach Cregger movie is going to take them… not even Zach Cregger. Since starting his career in sketch comedy, Cregger has gone on to become one of the most talked-about filmmakers in horror — earning acclaim for the perspective-shifting, expectation-subverting storytelling showcased in Barbarian and Weapons, the latter of which earned Amy Madigan an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Now, he’s bringing his signature vision to Resident Evil, the legendary survival horror franchise. Starring Austin Abrams, the film is what Cregger calls “a love letter” to the games, aiming to recreate the exhilarating dread of pressing deeper into the unknown with dwindling resources, no way back, and no idea what might be waiting in the shadows ahead.
In this episode of the Seen on the Screen podcast, Zach talks with Jacqueline Coley about pitching Resident Evil while he was still making Barbarian, how he approached translating the games to the screen through meticulously choreographed stunt work and practical effects, and how his vision was shaped by the thousands of hours he’s spent playing the games. He lets us into his creative process, dissecting how Barbarian started as a simple writing exercise inspired by a self-help book and how an abandoned screenplay eventually gave birth to Weapons’ Aunt Gladys. Zach and Jacqueline also discuss their favorite Austin Abrams performances, Sam Raimi’s Evil Dead II and its influence on Zach’s work, and why his years writing comedy taught him to always be on the lookout for the weirdest possible idea.
Resident Evil hits theaters September 18, and you can buy tickets right now on Fandango.
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Seen on the Screen is a Universal Entertainment and Fandango podcast series hosted by Jacqueline Coley, Awards Editor at Rotten Tomatoes.
Claim your ticket to witness the personal narratives happening behind the scenes of film and entertainment! Each episode invites you into intimate conversations with filmmakers, actors, and industry insiders. Blending sharp cinematic trivia with thoughtfully crafted interview questions, Jacqueline leads each guest through a rich, reflective journey into their lifelong relationship with entertainment. From the formative movie‑going experiences that shaped their artistic worldview to their career‑defining moves — asking them to reflect on the films that have rocked their world, scared the daylights out of them, and changed them forever.
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