Resident Evil filmmaker speaks out on director preparation
Resident Evil director says filmmakers must play the original game
Paul W. S. Anderson, the filmmaker behind the live action adaptations of Resident Evil, has made his stance clear. According to him, anyone adapting a video game into film should play the original game first.
As game based movies gain momentum following the success of Fallout and The Super Mario Bros. Movie, studios increasingly treat video game IP as reliable box office material. However, Anderson believes the real question is not which game will be adapted next. Instead, he asks whether the creators truly understand the source.
“Have they actually played the game?”
In a recent podcast interview, Anderson expressed surprise when he hears directors admit they never played the game they are adapting. He described that mindset as shocking and unacceptable.
For him, being a fan of the original work is essential. He compared the situation to adapting a classic novel without ever reading it. In his view, that approach ignores the foundation that made the story meaningful in the first place.
Respecting the DNA of the game
Anderson emphasized that adaptation requires more than using a recognizable title. Developers and players spend countless hours immersed in a game’s world. Therefore, filmmakers must understand its tone, atmosphere, and visual language.
On his sets, he encouraged production designers and creative teams to play the games or at least watch full playthroughs. As a result, they could capture framing, pacing, and environmental details that reflect the game’s identity.
He argues that fans can immediately tell whether a film carries the “DNA” of the original game. If that core feeling disappears, the adaptation risks alienating its audience.
The iconic zombie dog scene
To illustrate his point, Anderson referenced the famous zombie dog hallway scene from the first Resident Evil game. That jump scare became one of the most memorable horror moments in gaming history.
He explained that the emotional shock of that scene shaped how he approached fear in his films. Rather than borrowing the brand name alone, he aimed to recreate the same tension and unpredictability players experienced.
A broader message for the industry
Although Anderson’s Resident Evil films have received mixed reviews, he maintains that respecting the IP remains central to his philosophy. In today’s golden era of game adaptations, his comments serve as a reminder to the wider industry.
Financial success may follow recognizable titles. However, long term loyalty comes from understanding the heart of the game itself.
As more studios turn to gaming franchises for inspiration, Anderson’s challenge remains simple yet direct: before adapting a game, ask yourself whether you truly understand it.
Origin: gamesradar
