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Calling all Resident Evil fans! Brace yourselves for the latest addition to the Japanese action movie franchise, Resident Evil: Death Island: the fifth installment and fourth film in the animated Resident Evil series. The film is set in the same universe as the Resident Evil video games.
The story takes place in the infamous prison on Alcatraz Island, where we'll follow two separate storylines involving Leon Kennedy and Chris Redfield. Leon is hot on the trail of some bad guys who've abducted a scientist with classified information that could put millions at risk. Unfortunately, his pursuit is sidetracked by a mysterious woman who appears out of nowhere. Meanwhile, Chris Redfield is tasked with investigating a mysterious infection that's taken hold of San Francisco. As he digs deeper, he realizes that all the victims had visited one particular place - Alcatraz prison.
When Chris and his team board a ferry to head to the island, they have no idea what they're in for. Alcatraz is about to become "Death Island" for them. So, are you prepared to travel to Death Island with Leon and Chris? It’s time to get ready for some serious horror action! Here’s everything we know about Resident Evil: Death Island.
Editor's Note: This was updated on July 17, 2023.
Does Resident Evil: Death Island Have a Trailer?
When the film was announced, Sony Picture Entertainment released the teaser for Resident Evil: Death Island. While the teaser is only 30 seconds long, the clip provides a glimpse into the gruesome scenes the film promises to offer. Mainly set within the deadly confinements of prison, lines of flesh-eating zombies fill up the hallway (and, of course, there’s a close-up of a zombie eating a fellow inmate). Check out the teaser below.
Our first full trailer is in Japanese, but luckily the YouTube closed captions are in English. The 2-minute trailer offers us our first real glimpse of things to come. Check it out below.
Collider exclusively revealed the first full trailer on June 5, offering a ton of new information. It firmly sets the stage for what's to come.
Fans get a chance to see the film's opening sequence early, thanks to this clip.
When is The Release Date for Resident Evil: Death Island?
Resident Evil: Death Island is scheduled to release on July 7, 2023, in Japan. The film will be available on Blu-ray and Digital three weeks later worldwide, on July 25. And here's some great news: Resident Evil fans in LA have a chance to attend an early screening of Resident Evil: Death Island on June 12, hosted by Collider. The screening will be followed by a Q&A session Q&A with director Eiichirô Hasumi, writer and producer Makoto Fukami, and Masachika Kawata, along with cast members Matthew Mercer and Nicole Tompkins, moderated by Collider’s Steve Weintraub. To find out how to attend the screening, check out this article.
What is Resident Evil: Death Island About?
Get ready for a wild ride as we follow the adventures of D.S.O. agent Leon S. Kennedy and B.S.A.A. agent Chris Redfield. Leon is hot on the trail of some kidnappers who have taken Dr. Antonio Taylor, but his mission is interrupted by a mysterious woman. Meanwhile, Chris is knee-deep in a zombie outbreak in San Francisco, with no clue what's causing it. The only thing that links the infected victims is that they all recently visited Alcatraz Island. So Chris and his team head to the island, expecting to find some answers. But what they discover there is beyond their wildest nightmares.
Below is the official synopsis for Resident Evil: Death Island:
In San Francisco, Jill Valentine is dealing with a zombie outbreak and a new T-Virus, Leon Kennedy is on the trail of a kidnapped DARPA scientist, and Claire Redfield is investigating a monstrous fish that is killing whales in the bay. Joined by Chris Redfield and Rebecca Chambers, they discover the trail of clues from their separate cases all converge on the same location, Alcatraz Island, where a new evil has taken residence and awaits their arrival.
When is Resident Evil: Death Island Set?
Resident Evil: Death Island takes place in 2015 and falls between the events of Resident Evil 6 (set in 2013) and Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (2017). Most importantly, you need to remember that this movie is a continuation of the previous CGI film, Resident Evil: Vendetta (set in 2014). While CGI films are considered part of the Resident Evil universe, they can be watched as standalone movies without any prior knowledge of the games.
Who are the Creatives Behind Resident Evil: Death Island?
Eiichirō Hasumi serves as director for Resident Evil: Death Island, while Makoto Fukami will be joining the project as a producer. Hasumi has garnered attention in the action, suspense, and drama genres. With the ability to blend action and emotional storytelling, Hasumi is praised for his work, such as the Umizaru, Assassination Classroom, and Mozu.
With his roots in anime and manga, Fukami is the acclaimed screenwriter behind hit anime series such as Psycho-Pass, Berserk, and Magical Girl Spec-Ops Asuka. He is known for his ability to create complex, thought-provoking narratives with intricate world-building and character development. Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is set to distribute Resident Evil: Death Island worldwide, excluding Japan.
Who are the Cast of Resident Evil: Death Island?
Resident Evil: Death Island is expected to feature some of the franchise’s most memorable and beloved characters Leon S. Kennedy, Chris Redfield, and Jill Valentine. Critical Role's Matthew Mercer will be voicing Leon S. Kennedy. First appearing in Resident Evil 2 as a rookie police officer, Leon has since become a seasoned agent working for the US government's Division of Security Operations (DSO), specializing in bioterrorism prevention and response. Known for his bravery and tendency to find himself in dangerous situations, Leon has appeared in multiple Resident Evil games, movies, and other media. Kevin Dorman voices Chris Redfield is known for his physical strength, combat expertise, and unwavering determination to stop bioterrorism. Chris first appeared in the original Resident Evil game as a member of the elite paramilitary organization, the Special Tactics and Rescue Service (STARS). Chris has since become a veteran of the Bioterrorism Security Assessment Alliance (BSAA), an international organization dedicated to combating bio-organic weapons and other bioterrorist threats.
Resident Evil: Death Island also marks Jill Valentine's debut in the animated movies. Nicole Tompkins will be voicing Jill, who appeared in the original Resident Evil game as a member of the elite paramilitary organization, the Special Tactics and Rescue Service (STARS), alongside Chris Redfield. Jill has since become a vital member of the Bioterrorism Security Assessment Alliance (BSAA), working alongside Chris to combat bioterrorist threats. Jill is known for her intelligence, resourcefulness, and combat skills. Other characters set to appear include Erin Cahill as Rebecca Chambers, Stephanie Panisello as Claire Redfield, and Salli Saffioti as Ingrid Hunnigan.