Hideo Kojima, the celebrated game designer known for his candid movie reviews, recently took a seat in the theater to watch Zach Cregger’s latest Resident Evil film. Despite admitting he wasn’t initially keen on seeing the movie, Kojima emerged from the darkened room with a surprisingly positive verdict. "Right from the opening, it hits you with music reminiscent of The Thing," Kojima said, noting the film’s relentless barrage of classic horror techniques, jump scares, and tense situations that never let up until the very end.
The director praised the movie’s ability to deliver an experience that feels like playing the original 1996 PlayStation title. Kojima drew a direct comparison to his own first encounter with Resident Evil, recalling how he, as a young fan, shouted “F***! ” at each game‑over screen.
He added, "I kept getting game over after game over, shouting “F***! ” over and over again. lol," echoing the frustration and thrill of the original gameplay.
The film’s original story, a departure from a straight adaptation, sparked mixed reactions among hardcore fans. Cregger’s intent to give viewers a fresh Resident Evil experience was clear, though some fans expected a more faithful retelling of the game’s narrative. While attending the premiere, Kojima also picked up physical reading materials for Tom Cruise’s divisive new film Digger, hinting at his curiosity about the project and leaving fans eager for his future thoughts.
Box‑office numbers confirm the film’s success: the Resident Evil movie has grossed more than $320 million worldwide, with a $40. 7 million haul in China alone. It has become the highest‑grossing entry in the series, surpassing 2016’s The Final Chapter ($312 million).
Kojima remains busy, with upcoming projects OD and Phsyint slated for Xbox. Phsyint is also set to be adapted for film and television, and Death Stranding is moving toward the big screen, underscoring Kojima’s continued influence across gaming and cinema.