Original Resident Evil 2 Cover Mask Discovered After 27 Years: Capcom Artifact Unveiled

In a remarkable turn for video game history, the original prosthetic mask featured on the cover of Capcom’s classic survival horror title, Resident Evil 2, has resurfaced nearly three decades after the game's initial release.

This significant piece of memorabilia, which graced the Japanese and European box art of Resident Evil 2, has been found and shared with the gaming community by Brandon Salisbury, director of the forthcoming documentary “George A.

Romero's Resident Evil.” Resident Evil 2, developed by Capcom, first launched in 1998 for the PlayStation and quickly established itself as a cornerstone in the survival horror genre.

Recognized for its tense gameplay, memorable characters, and striking marketing imagery, the game would later become available on various platforms, including the Nintendo 64, GameCube, and most recently as a high-definition remake on modern consoles.

Resident Evil 2’s enduring legacy is reflected in both its strong sales and its presence on digital marketplaces such as the Nintendo eShop. The mask’s discovery was announced by Salisbury via social media, where he expressed his excitement about acquiring such an iconic artifact.

"It brings me great satisfaction to share this," Salisbury conveyed, emphasizing the cultural and historical significance of the find.

He explained that alongside the cover mask, he also obtained several applications used during the production of George A.

Romero’s promotional commercial for Resident Evil 2.

Salisbury intends to ensure the preservation of these pieces by allocating them to institutions where they can be maintained and accessed by the public. For those unfamiliar with the story, acclaimed horror director George A.

Romero, best known for 'Dawn of the Dead,' was once approached to helm a cinematic adaptation of Resident Evil in the late 1990s for Constantin Film, with producer Peter Grunwald attached.

Although Romero ultimately did not direct the Hollywood adaptation—Constantin Film instead turning to Paul W.

S.

Anderson for what became the 2002 Resident Evil film franchise—he was responsible for creating a live-action trailer for Resident Evil 2, starring Brad Renfro and Adrienne Frantz as Leon and Claire. Over time, Romero’s early script for the unproduced film surfaced online, sparking lasting curiosity about what might have been if his vision came to fruition.

Meanwhile, Resident Evil as a franchise continued to flourish, spawning sequels, remakes, and ongoing fan engagement on platforms like the Nintendo Switch and digital storefronts such as the eShop. Physically, the recovered prosthetic mask reveals the wear of nearly three decades, showing both discoloration and minor damage.

Nevertheless, its survival is a testament to its place in video game history, and Salisbury's dedication has ensured its legacy endures.

As efforts to preserve and celebrate gaming history expand, the rediscovery of the Resident Evil 2 cover mask stands as a compelling reminder of the franchise’s far-reaching impact on pop culture and the games industry.

Capcom Resident Evil Resident Evil 2 George A. Romero Brandon Salisbury Constantin Film Paul W.S. Anderson Nintendo Peter Grunwald Milla Jovovich Michelle Rodriguez Brad Renfro Adrienne Frantz