Zach Cregger: A New Chapter in Horror and Beyond

Zach Cregger has rapidly emerged as a significant force in the horror genre, thanks to his acclaimed works "Barbarian" and "Weapons." With a promising career ahead, he is set to release a reboot of the iconic "Resident Evil" series and a sci-fi horror film titled "The Flood." However, recent comments suggest he may soon explore new genres.

Initially, "Barbarian" was regarded as a hidden gem, but with the release of "Weapons - Die Stunde des Verschwindens," it became clear to a wider audience that Cregger is a director to watch in the horror landscape. His upcoming projects have generated considerable anticipation as he remains committed to the genre.

This year, fans can look forward to his adaptation of the groundbreaking zombie video game franchise "Resident Evil," set to hit theaters on September 17, 2026. Following that, his sci-fi horror film "The Flood" is scheduled for release in 2028. However, Cregger hinted that this might mark the end of his horror filmmaking chapter, as he stated in an interview with Variety during Comic Con: "My next horror film [‘The Flood’] is the last film in this chapter of my life. [...] It is structurally unique. I can't think of another film like it."

While it’s not uncommon for filmmakers to branch out into different genres after achieving success, Cregger's departure from horror would be felt deeply by fans. His roots in comedy could lead him to explore new creative avenues, even though the horror genre has seen a resurgence with new talents like Curry Barker and Kane Parsons, who directed this year’s hits "Obsession" and "Backrooms."

Cregger mentioned that after "Barbarian," he wrote the scripts for "Weapons," "Resident Evil," and "The Flood" in quick succession, suggesting that the latter may simply be the last of this particular writing phase. Clarity on his future intentions may come directly from Cregger himself, should he choose to elaborate on his statements.

Even if he does venture into different genres, it is still possible for Cregger to return to horror later in his career. He has two more horror projects lined up as a writer: a prequel to "Weapons" titled "Gladys" and a film based on the viral horror phenomenon "Siren Head."

What to Expect from "The Flood"

Although Cregger claims he hasn’t encountered films similar to "The Flood"—likely referring to its structure rather than its narrative—the premise evokes memories of classics like "Alien" and "Event Horizon."

The story centers on the crew of a spaceship named Spiritus Mundi, which is on a research mission deep in space. They receive a mysterious signal from a distant planet, prompting Captain Elena Voss and her team to investigate. Their discovery of a bizarre extraterrestrial artifact disrupts their perceptions of time, space, and sanity.

Before "The Flood" premieres on August 10, 2028, audiences can anticipate Cregger's "Resident Evil" reboot in 2026, which promises to deliver another thrilling experience. Our visit to the film's set has left us optimistic about what Cregger will bring to this beloved franchise. Look out for our detailed report on the set experience, featuring insights from a chilling encounter with a zombie baby.