Zach Cregger Names Leon Kennedy His Resident Evil Film Bodyguard: ‘I Would Just Bear Hug Myself Around Him

Zach Cregger, the director behind the critically acclaimed Dead Space remake, has revealed which Resident Evil character he would want protecting him throughout his upcoming Resident Evil film, naming the franchise’s most beloved survivor, Leon S. Kennedy, as his first choice. In a candid interview, the Dead Space auteur explained that if he found himself trapped in his own movie, he would want Leon by his side, joking that he could “just bear hug himself around him, close my eyes, and just let him protect me.”

The comment arrives as Cregger continues to work on his long-gestating Resident Evil film, a project that has drawn attention for the director’s willingness to reimagine the survival horror genre from a fresh perspective. While the movie’s production details remain under wraps, the director’s affection for the series’ characters has been on display through this lighthearted moment of reflection.

A Director Who Reimagines Survival Horror

Cregger earned widespread praise for his 2023 remake of Dead Space, a title that modernized the original 2008 classic while preserving the visceral dread that defined the source material. His ability to blend atmospheric tension with inventive gameplay earned the project numerous accolades and solidified his reputation as a director unafraid to push boundaries. That same creative instinct is now driving his approach to Resident Evil, a franchise he has long admired.

For Cregger, the Resident Evil universe offers a rich tapestry of memorable characters, each defined by their own brand of resilience and grit. When pressed on which survivor he would trust with his life, the director’s answer was swift and unambiguous. He noted that Leon was the only truly valid answer, with Jill Valentine and, perhaps, Billy Coen serving as the only acceptable alternatives.

“If I was stuck in my movie and I could pick any Resident Evil character, I would bring Leon because I would just bear hug myself around him, close my eyes, and just let him protect me.”

Zach Cregger

The director’s reasoning reveals a deep appreciation for Leon’s role as the emotional anchor of the series. As the protagonist of Resident Evil 2 and 3, Kennedy has become synonymous with the franchise’s most iconic moments, from the zombie-infested streets of Raccoon City to the apocalyptic nightmare of the Umbrella collapse. For Cregger, Leon represents the ideal combination of courage, competence, and quiet heroism.

Even the alternatives he floated carry their own weight. Jill Valentine, the sharp-witted survivor of the original Resident Evil, offers a seasoned veteran’s perspective, while Billy Coen, the young rookie from Resident Evil 3, provides a more vulnerable, relatable viewpoint. Yet, Cregger made clear that these were merely distant second choices, with Leon standing alone as the definitive answer.

Looking Ahead

As the Resident Evil film moves toward further development, fans remain eager to see how Cregger will translate the series’ sprawling lore into a compelling cinematic experience. The director’s clear affection for the characters suggests that his film will honor the source material while carving out its own distinct identity.

While no official release window has been announced, the project has generated considerable buzz within the gaming community, with audiences anticipating a fresh take on a beloved franchise. Cregger’s candid remarks about his ideal bodyguard offer a small but telling glimpse into the creative vision shaping the film, and they have only served to deepen the anticipation surrounding his next major project.

For now, the question of which Resident Evil character would keep him safe remains answered: Leon Kennedy, the man Cregger would “bear hug himself around” and trust completely. Whether or not the director would actually survive his own movie remains to be seen, but with Leon at his side, the odds seem decidedly in his favor.