JOHN WICK’s Lance Reddick to Lead Netflix’s RESIDENT EVIL Series

Last summer Netflix announced development of a live-action Resident Evil series. The popular Capcom game has already had its chance to shine on the big screen. But those films didn’t exactly land for everyone. It’s why we’re excited to see how the franchise will work as a television show. And now that we know who will bring it to life, we’re even more amped. As part of the final day of the streaming site’s inaugural virtual “Geeked Week” event—sponsored by the Umbrella Corporation—Netflix announced the series’ cast. And it’s an historic one. Lance Reddick will be the first actor of color to play Albert Wesker.

Lionsgate

The Oz star will take on the iconic role of Resident Evil‘s famed virologist known for his cold demeanor. Fans of the John Wick franchise know Reddick can be cool under pressure. He also strikes an imposing presence, all while being naturally charismatic. And fans of The Wire watched him outmaneuver numerous foes and pitfalls with a deft hand. We wouldn’t want to cross any of his characters anymore than we would want to cross Resident Evil‘s most Machiavellian character. Reddick should make for a perfect Albert Wesker.

We also know who will join him on the show. Netflix also announced Ella Balinska, Tamara Smart, Siena Agudong, Adeline Rudolph, and Paola Núñez will play major roles on the horror survival series. However, the streaming site did not announce who each of them will be playing just yet. Which provides fans the rare opportunity to fantasy cast with performers they know for certain will be on the show.

The cast will also help fix the Resident Evil franchise’s long-standing issues with diversity and inclusion. A problem Tyree Brown outlined for us in March.

Netflix

Andrew Dabb (Supernatural) serves as showrunner and executive producer on the series. Fellow executive producers include Robert Kulzer and Oliver Berben of Constantin Film, the studio behind the show. As well as Mary Leah Sutton, who also serves as a writer.

Season one will have eight one-hour episodes. And though the series has 25 years of Resident Evil history to call on, it won’t be a straight adaptation of any game. Netflix says the show “will tell a brand new story building on Capcom’s legendary” franchise. The show also has a new logline: “Nearly three decades after the discovery of the T-virus, an outbreak reveals the Umbrella Corporation’s dark secrets.”

Thanks to this casting news at least there are a few less secrets about Netflix’s Resident Evil.

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