George A. Romero’s ‘Resident Evil’ Documentary:

A Deep Dive into What Could Have Been

In a fascinating blend of what might have been and what never was, Uncork’d Entertainment has acquired the U.S. and Canadian distribution rights to an intriguing new documentary titled “George A. Romero’s Resident Evil”. This project, set for release on Digital and On Demand on January 7, 2025, promises to explore one of Hollywood’s most elusive “what if” stories in horror cinema.

The Untold Story

Directed by Brandon Salisbury, the documentary delves into the saga of George A. Romero’s involvement with the Resident Evil franchise. In 1998, the iconic horror director, known for redefining the zombie genre with films like Night of the Living Dead, was tapped by Constantin Film to adapt the blockbuster video game Resident Evil for the big screen. However, despite the perfect synergy between Romero’s expertise in horror and the game’s theme, his vision never came to fruition.

A Legacy Unearthed

Salisbury’s documentary isn’t just a recounting of missed opportunities; it’s an homage to Romero’s legacy. Drawing inspiration from documentaries like Jodorowsky’s Dune, it aims to provide an immersive experience combining archival footage, newly discovered documents, and interviews with individuals who were part of this unrealized cinematic endeavor.

Brandon Salisbury remarked, “George Romero gave birth to modern horror, the modern zombie, and ultimately Resident Evil. I am honored to bring fans the untold story of his most important unmade project, to celebrate the legacy of the man that inspired me to pursue filmmaking as a career.”

A Glimpse into the Unseen

The documentary will showcase:

• Interviews with Key Figures: Insights from those involved in the project, offering perspectives on why it was never produced.
• Archival Footage: Rare glimpses into the planning stages of Romero’s adaptation.
• Unearthed Documents: Scripts, notes, and correspondence that shed light on Romero’s creative process.

Keith Leopard, President of Uncork’d Entertainment, expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, “Uncork’d is honored to bring George A. Romero’s Resident Evil to fans who have long awaited the untold story behind this legendary, unmade project. This documentary pays homage to Romero’s incredible vision and the power of storytelling that transcends what could have been.”

What This Means for Horror Fans

For fans of Resident Evil and aficionados of Romero’s work, this documentary represents more than just a look back at a project that never was; it’s a celebration of a director whose influence on horror cinema is profound and enduring. It offers a unique lens through which to view the potential paths horror could have taken had Romero’s vision been realized.

Release Details

• Release Date: January 7, 2025
• Platforms: Digital and On Demand

This documentary not only serves as a tribute to George A. Romero but also as a fascinating study of how pivotal moments in film development can shape or misshape the trajectory of popular culture. Fans of horror, especially those who’ve followed the Resident Evil saga, have much to anticipate from this deep dive into an alternate horror reality.

Source: Bloody Disgusting