RE Director says he didn’t miss any jokes he cut
The line between laughter and terror is often just a single joke away, and for the director of Resident Evil, that balance was a fascinating puzzle. Zach Cregger, known for his comedic background, recently explored this dynamic on the set of his latest horror venture, learning that while audiences adored the film, they found the humor a little too much for pure fright.
Cregger conducted test screenings to gauge audience reaction, and the results offered an unexpected insight. He discovered that the audience genuinely loved the film, but they perceived the comedic elements as overshadowing the horror. To adjust the formula, Cregger made a calculated move: he stripped back the jokes. Yet, in doing so, he found a surprising result. Not only did the audience enjoy the film even more after the edits, but Cregger himself felt that the humor was essential, noting that he missed not a single joke from the original version.
This experience speaks to the delicate art of genre blending. Cregger’s transition from comedy—rising to fame with the comedy collective Whitest Kids U’Know—to the darker world of horror provided a unique lens for storytelling. It is a testament to how humor, when deployed correctly, can enhance the tension rather than dilute it.
Cregger’s previous work also touched on this duality. His Oscar-winning film Weapons demonstrated an even deeper connection to his comedic roots, featuring a touching throwback to a sketch that celebrated his late creative partner and close friend, Trevor Moore.
Resident Evil follows Austin Abrams, who stars as a medical courier thrust into a desperate fight for survival after an outbreak forces him toward Raccoon City General Hospital. The action-packed narrative is anchored by a talented ensemble cast, including Zach Cherry, Kali Reis, and Paul Walter Hauser.
The film is set to hit theaters on September 18, promising a blend of high-stakes horror and surprisingly resonant humor, inviting audiences to experience terror with a smile.
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