Netflix’s Resident Evils connection to the video game universe and timeline

Fans of the Resident Evil video games haven’t had the best of luck when it comes to adaptations in the past.

Despite being wildly popular, the previous movie franchise was unrecognisable when compared to the games.

The protagonist Alice, played by Mila Jovovich, was completely made up for the films and the stories of each instalment were completely new creations.

Things got worse with the release of Netflix’s Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City.

Despite being arguably more faithful to the games, the film was derided by fans and critics alike, with audiences universally dismissing it from the start.

Now Netflix is having another pop at the franchise, and unlike the old movies, this is far closer to the games.

Is Netflix’s Resident Evil connected to the video game?

Yes, Netflix’s Resident Evil does take place in the same universe of the games and is set after the events of Resident Evil: Village, the latest instalment on consoles.

Speaking to Netflix itself, showrunner Andrew Dabb, explained: “The timeline works. Basically, the year the game worked out, that’s when things happened.

“So, for example, this show is set in 2022, which means the events of Resident Evil: Village happened a year ago in our [timeline]…

“Now they haven’t bled into our story yet, but they may down the road. But Raccoon City was blown up in ’98. It fits that chronology.

“That was very important to us. I’m sure we made mistakes along the way, but it fits that chronology.”

Do you need to play the games to understand Netflix’s Resident Evil?

Andrew explained if people need to be familiar with the games before watching it.

He said: “You don’t have to be familiar at all. If you are, there are some Easter eggs in there and some things that I think you’ll be like, ‘Oh wow, that’s a cool thing to explore.’ Or, ‘Oh, we kind of know what’s coming based on that.’

“But if you’re not, it doesn’t matter. I compare it to something like Game of Thrones, for example. If you’d read the books, the show was richer.

“If you hadn’t read the books, it was still a great show. If you played the games, I hope the show is richer.

“If you’ve never played the games, no problem, enjoy it, and I hope you will go play the games after you watch it because they’re great games”.

What is the plot of Netflix’s Resident Evil?

The official plot synopsis reads: "Year 2036—14 years after the spread of Joy caused so much pain, Jade Wesker fights for survival in a world overrun by the blood-thirsty infected and mind-shattering creatures.

“In this absolute carnage, Jade is haunted by her past in New Raccoon City, by her father's chilling connections to the sinister Umbrella Corporation but mostly by what happened to her sister, Billie."

The dates may seem to go against Andrew’s previous statements, but the show will be set in 2036 and 2022, with flashbacks showing Jade and Billie moving into Raccoon City.

Source: Read Full Article