The Exciting Launch Of Netflix's Live Action Resident Evil Series

Resident Evil has spawned dozens of games and multiple movies, but Netflix is releasing the first-ever live-action TV version of the survival horror story. This new adaptation aims to captivate both long-time fans and newcomers alike. With its release slated for July, viewers can expect to see familiar elements from the franchise, including the infamous t-Virus and the ominous Umbrella Corporation.

This Netflix version may raise questions about its connection to previous movies and other series such as Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness. Unlike the six films featuring Milla Jovovich or the recent reboot Welcome to Raccoon City, this live-action series is designed to welcome a new audience, possibly those who haven't engaged with the franchise before.

In this article, we will explore how the new Resident Evil series is connected to previous films and shows, evaluating whether it is a sequel or a reboot. We will also delve into the timeline of the Netflix series, highlighting its unique storyline and character dynamics.

The Netflix Resident Evil Exists in Its Own Timeline

There is no need to do any homework before watching the new Resident Evil show: The series exists in its own separate timeline. This approach is familiar to long-standing fans of the franchise, which has spun off on multiple timelines over the years. For instance, the movies starring Milla Jovovich exist in a different continuity from the video games, borrowing elements from them while ignoring the established lore.

Netflix's Resident Evil follows the same pattern as Welcome to Raccoon City, which primarily takes place in the late 1990s. The story begins in an orphanage where children are subjected to experiments by the Umbrella Corporation. These experiments inevitably lead to the creation of the t-Virus, responsible for turning people and animals into zombies.

In the Netflix series, however, the t-Virus does not begin to emerge until 2022. The story starts with Dr. Albert Wexler, played by Lance Reddick, taking an executive position at Umbrella around the launch of a new anti-depressant called Joy. Notably, the Netflix adaptation changes the name of the U.S. headquarters from Raccoon City to New Raccoon City to signify the distinct timeline.

In this new timeline, Albert is responsible for managing the t-Virus, a bioweapon developed by Umbrella. This responsibility forces him to relocate to New Raccoon City with his children, Jade and Billie, played by Tamara Smart and Siena Agudong, respectively. The series cleverly weaves together the timeline of 2022 with one set 14 years later, where the virus has laid waste to humanity, leaving only a fraction of the population alive.

Fast forward to 2036, and the world has transformed into a nightmarish landscape inhabited by cannibalistic mutants. The synopsis reveals that Jade Wesker, portrayed by Ella Balinska, grapples with her past in New Raccoon City while dealing with the consequences of her father's ties to the sinister Umbrella Corporation. The narrative promises to be both thrilling and emotionally charged as Jade seeks to uncover the fate of her sister, Billie.

Resident Evil is set to stream on Netflix starting Thursday, July 14, and it’s poised to be an intriguing addition to the franchise, appealing to both dedicated fans and new viewers alike.