Frequently Asked Questions
The most-asked questions about Resident Evil Films.
What is the Resident Evil film series?
The Resident Evil franchise consists of six live-action films produced by Constantin Film that reimagines the video game universe with original storylines. While it shares monsters and settings from the games, the plot follows a unique narrative centered on the character Alice rather than the game's protagonists.
Who is the main protagonist of the movies?
Alice, portrayed by Milla Jovovich, serves as the central hero across all six films. She discovers she possesses superhuman abilities and leads a group of survivors against the T-Virus outbreak and the Umbrella Corporation.
Where should new viewers start watching?
Newcomers should begin with the 2002 film simply titled Resident Evil to understand Alice's origin story. The films were released sequentially, so following them in chronological release order is the only way to follow the intended narrative arc.
How do the movies relate to the video games?
The films are not direct adaptations of specific game plots but instead borrow characters, creatures, and locations from various entries in the series. The story diverges significantly from the games' canon, creating a separate continuity that only loosely intersects with the original source material.
Who plays the iconic villain Wesker?
Wesker is primarily played by Oded Fehr in the first film and later by Wentworth Miller throughout the sequels. He serves as a high-ranking Umbrella executive who becomes obsessed with controlling Alice and surviving the apocalypse.
What is the significance of the Red Queen?
The Red Queen is an artificial intelligence created by Dr. Isaacs to manage the Hive facility in Raccoon City. She acts as a major antagonist by attempting to seal off survivors and hunt them down while executing Umbrella's contingency protocols.
Which film concludes the original trilogy of movies?
Resident Evil: Retribution, released in 2012, serves as the fifth installment but is often viewed as the climax before the final chapter. It features Alice confronting multiple versions of herself and revealing the full extent of her creation by Umbrella.
What happens in the final movie?
The series concludes with Resident Evil: The Final Chapter in 2016, where Alice travels to Raccoon City to destroy the source of the virus. She ultimately sacrifices her humanity to defeat the Red Queen and secure a future for the human race.
Are there any spin-off movies?
Yes, a standalone prequel titled Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City was released in 2021 to reboot the franchise with a darker tone. This film attempts to align more closely with the original video game's events and characters like Jill Valentine.
Why is Milla Jovovich so central to the series?
Jovovich originated as a stunt double for the first film but was cast in the lead role due to her physical resemblance to the character design. Her long-term commitment allowed the franchise to build a consistent identity around her character over nearly two decades.