Skip to content

Case File 125: Resident Evil (2002)

May 21, 2026 · 2 h 8 min

Show notes

After years in development hell, a live-action adaptation of the blockbuster survival horror video game Resident Evil finally hit screens in 2002. As opposed to just retelling a story fans were already familiar with, this was intended to be a prequel featuring a new set of characters and references to the series deeper lore. That's... sort of what this is. Not really. And as a result, the film's financial success was offset by a backlash from gamers who didn't appreciate the bait and switch. Or a Resident Evil that was light on gore and heavy on post-Matrix style action. But now that we're on the eve of Zach Cregger's reboot, we thought it would be a good time to take a look back at where it all began for RE on the big screen. Topics include: earlier incarnations that were more reflective of the first game, George A. Romero's involvement with the project (and unceremonious departure), why Paul W.S. Anderson was exactly the right guy for the approach the producers favored, how many similarities this shares with his eventual Alien Vs. Predator film, the make-up and effects, whether or not the lack of gore is the real issue here, thoughts on the sequels, hopes for the reboot, and much more!

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Facebook | Instagram

Chris's Instagram | Kristen's Instagram Chris & Kristen's Web Series: The Strange Case of Lucy Chandler Chris's new EP on Spotify and Bandcamp

All episodes of Rogues Gallery

Settings

Display

Language

Decides which stations you see first on the home page.

History

Recently played stations and episodes and your latest searches are only stored in this browser.

Notifications

A short notice when a podcast you follow has a new episode. Turn off single podcasts with the bell on their page.

Account

Save favorites – in the app and on the website.

Keyboard shortcuts

/
Open search
Space
Play or pause
← →
In the player: back 15 s, forward 30 s (episodes) · in a row: next tile
↑ ↓
In a row: target within the tile
Home / End
In a row: first or last tile
Esc
Close window or menu
?
This overview
Now playing

Go to station page

Play next

    Add episodes with “Play next” – they play after the current episode.