How Netflix reimagined a legendary horror franchise for a two-timeline television event
In short: Netflix's Resident Evil series attempted a bold expansion of the iconic video game universe, splitting its narrative between a 2022 corporate conspiracy and a 2036 post-apocalyptic wasteland. Despite a strong global debut and an ambitious premise, the show faced a swift cancellation after just one season of eight episodes.
Developed by Andrew Dabb, the series serves as a distinct entry in the franchise, operating within its own universe while utilizing the established video game lore as a foundational backstory. The plot centers on the Wesker family, specifically the fraternal twins Jade and Billie, whose lives are upended when their father, Albert Wesker, secures an executive position at the Umbrella Corporation. The narrative shifts between their upbringing in the planned community of New Raccoon City and a grim future where the T-virus has triggered a societal collapse known as The Fall.
The production process was heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced an eight-month delay and pushed filming into 2021. Principal photography took place in South Africa, utilizing both soundstages at Cape Town Film Studios and local sites like the Maitland Abattoir to craft the show's distinct aesthetic. The series featured an ensemble cast led by Lance Reddick, who portrayed the various clones of Albert Wesker, alongside Paola Núñez as the CEO of the resurrected Umbrella Corporation.
Upon its July 2022 release, the show achieved significant initial traction, reaching the top 10 in over 92 countries and briefly dethroning Stranger Things in US streaming rankings. However, critical reception remained mixed, with aggregators like Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic reporting average scores. Following a wave of negative audience feedback, Netflix officially canceled the series in August 2022. Despite the cancellation, showrunner Andrew Dabb had already begun planning for a second season, which would have introduced iconic game characters like Jill Valentine and Lady Dimitrescu.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Resident Evil (TV series)
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