Zach Cregger on the near-fatal falling zombie moment

Behind every blockbuster zombie chase lies a careful balance of imagination and raw physical danger. On the set of Resident Evil, that balance took a very real, very dangerous turn for one of the film’s leading stars, Austin Abrams.

Director Zach Cregger shared an incredible story about how a pivotal action sequence was filmed—a scene so intense and physically demanding that it brought the risk of death perilously close to reality. It wasn’t just digital trickery; it required genuine stunt work that pushed the boundaries of what the crew thought was possible.

During the filming, Abrams was tasked with running down a street while being relentlessly pursued by zombies leaping from surrounding rooftops. Cregger envisioned a chaotic scene where Abrams was surrounded by falling bodies and explosions. The challenge wasn’t just staging the action; it was making sure the spectacle was safe for the actor.

To achieve this level of visceral chaos without relying solely on visual effects, the team opted for practical solutions. Instead of CGI for every explosion and impact, they used massive cranes, body-sized blood bags, and meticulous rehearsals to choreograph how these elements would fall and interact with Abrams in real-time.

The result was explosive realism. When a stunt went slightly awry—a blood bag released too early or miscalculated—the physical reality of the situation was undeniable. Cregger recounted that one element, weighing around one hundred and fifty pounds, would have been fatal if it had missed Abrams by even an inch.

Despite the inherent risk involved in such high-impact filming, Cregger expressed relief that Abrams remained safe and uninjured. While the process certainly meant minor injuries for the crew, the priority was ensuring the safety of the cast and crew while capturing cinematic gold.

Austin Abrams, known for his roles in films like Euphoria and Cregger’s Weapons, takes on the role of Bryan, a medical courier fighting for survival during a terrifying outbreak. This action sequence, which involved Abrams engaging in combat with a fast-moving zombie woman, demonstrated that the adrenaline fueling these blockbuster films can indeed be life-threatening.

The dedication to practical effects ensured that the intensity of the chase felt grounded and genuinely dangerous, providing an unforgettable experience for the audience. It was a testament to how physical filmmaking can deliver moments that are both spectacular and deeply thrilling.