Maika Monroe’s ‘Chaos’ Trailer Heightens Resident Evil Requiem Anticipation

Capcom is amplifying anticipation for its upcoming survival horror title, Resident Evil Requiem, with a new live-action trailer featuring actress Maika Monroe, signaling a significant marketing push ahead of the game’s global release on February 27, 2026. The trailer, part of a cryptic campaign appearing in major cities, offers a fresh perspective on the franchise’s terrifying origins while the game itself promises a new narrative direction and protagonist.

Maika Monroe Stars in ‘Evil Has Always Had a Name’ Trailer

Actress Maika Monroe, known for her roles in horror films like It Follows and Longlegs, leads a new live-action short film trailer for Resident Evil Requiem. The trailer, titled “Evil Has Always Had a Name,” is being promoted through an innovative marketing campaign featuring red posters with photographs of missing people and QR codes in locations such as New York City’s Times Square and Hollywood.

Monroe portrays a mother struggling to survive the initial Raccoon City outbreak in the 1990s, a narrative distinct from the upcoming game’s storyline. Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Monroe described the production as “chaos,” recalling a set in Mexico City filled with “cops and dogs and smoke machines” and numerous extras in zombie makeup. She expressed enthusiasm for the project’s nostalgic return to Raccoon City’s origins and the emotional depth of the short film, which culminates in a flash-forward revealing her character as a zombified survivor, a transformation requiring three and a half hours of prosthetics.

Directed by Rich Lee, known for his work on music videos for artists like Billie Eilish and Eminem, the trailer aims to provide a “short-film type of dynamic” that offers a unique, heartbreaking story from the Resident Evil universe.

‘Resident Evil Requiem’ Story and Release Details

Resident Evil Requiem is slated for release on February 27, 2026, across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC platforms. The game introduces a new protagonist, FBI intelligence analyst Grace Ashcroft, who embarks on a journey to an abandoned Midwestern hotel where her mother was murdered eight years prior. Her investigation into a new series of deaths leads to veteran agent Leon S. Kennedy being dispatched to assist, confirming the return of a fan-favorite character.

This new installment promises a distinct storyline within the Resident Evil universe, moving away from the conclusion of Ethan Winters’ saga in Resident Evil Village. It has been reported that established characters Chris Redfield and Ada Wong will not appear in Requiem, further emphasizing the game’s fresh narrative focus on Grace Ashcroft’s personal quest intertwined with the franchise’s signature horror elements.

Capcom’s Broader ‘Resident Evil’ Strategy

The push for Resident Evil Requiem comes as Capcom continues to support its existing titles. A minor update for Resident Evil Village (version 1.15/1.230) was recently released in February 2026, primarily adding LATAM Spanish voice and Polish display text options. While this update did not include new gameplay content, industry observers, including MP1st, speculate that Capcom may integrate promotional material for Requiem into older titles as its release date draws nearer, a common marketing tactic within the gaming industry.

Resident Evil Requiem represents a strategic expansion of the franchise, aiming to captivate both long-time fans with familiar elements like Leon S. Kennedy and the Raccoon City setting, while attracting new players with a fresh protagonist and a compelling, standalone narrative. The high-production live-action trailer underscores Capcom’s commitment to making Requiem a major event in the horror gaming landscape of 2026.

The strategic deployment of a high-quality live-action short film, featuring a prominent actress and a narrative distinct from the main game, demonstrates Capcom’s intent to broaden the appeal of the Resident Evil franchise while simultaneously tapping into its foundational lore. This approach effectively leverages both nostalgia and novelty to generate significant pre-release momentum for Resident Evil Requiem.