Capcom Unveils Resident Evil Requiem Short Film Starring Maika Monroe Ahead of Switch 2 Launch

Capcom, the renowned developer behind the iconic Resident Evil franchise, has launched an innovative new marketing campaign for its upcoming title, Resident Evil Requiem, set for release on Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Steam on February 27th, 2026.

The company has produced a captivating short film featuring horror cinema talent Maika Monroe, known for her roles in 'Longlegs' and 'It Follows.' This promotional piece pays homage to the franchise's roots while spotlighting the game’s emotional narrative and next-generation horror elements. As part of this marketing push, cryptic posters have appeared throughout New York City and Los Angeles, displaying images of missing individuals and bearing the tagline, “Evil Has Always Had a Name.” Each poster features a QR code directing the public to the new short film, drawing them directly into the haunting atmosphere of Resident Evil Requiem.

In the film, Monroe portrays an unnamed mother striving to protect her daughter during the devastating Raccoon City outbreak of 1998—an iconic setting for longtime fans of the Resident Evil series. Speaking to Entertainment Weekly about her involvement, Monroe described the set as "full of extras in detailed zombie makeup, police vehicles, dogs, and atmospheric smoke effects, resulting in a genuine sense of chaos." She noted that the experience of filming in such intense and immersive conditions brought a realism and emotional weight to her performance. The narrative of the short film transitions from the classic horrors of the 1998 outbreak to a poignant scene set in the present day.

Monroe's character, now a zombie, wanders the fallout site of Raccoon City.

Despite her transformation, she clings to a photograph of herself with her daughter, ultimately visiting her daughter's grave—a powerful moment underscoring the lingering humanity within the infected.

Director Koshi Nakanishi previously commented that, in Resident Evil Requiem, zombies will "retain characteristics from when they were alive," a nuance that Monroe's performance exemplifies.

The transformation into a zombie involved extensive prosthetic work, requiring a meticulous three-and-a-half-hour process. Monroe reflected on the emotional undertones of the short film, highlighting, "What stood out to me was the depth of feeling; there's real heartbreak in watching this story unfold.

It's a fresh and compelling way to introduce the new video game." The film was directed in Mexico City by Rich Lee, acclaimed for his work on music videos for artists like Eminem, Lana Del Rey, and Billie Eilish.

Monroe remarked on Lee’s creative vision, noting that his lookbook evoked a strong sense of nostalgia, meticulously capturing the '90s aesthetic central to Raccoon City's legacy. With the launch of Resident Evil Requiem on Nintendo Switch 2 and other major platforms, Capcom continues to honor the franchise’s rich history while pushing boundaries in narrative-driven horror.

As excitement builds toward the 2026 release, this evocative short film cements Resident Evil Requiem as one of the most anticipated titles in Capcom’s storied portfolio.