Why Remaking Resident Evil 1 in 2026 is a Brilliant Idea

In 1996, a game-changing moment in the world of gaming was marked by the debut of Resident Evil, a title that propelled the survival horror genre to new heights. Over the years, Resident Evil has carved out a legendary status, becoming one of the most impactful horror franchises in gaming history. The franchise’s inaugural title, in particular, holds a cherished spot in the memories of many devoted fans. Although it was reimagined in 2002, there’s a growing clamor for a present-day update of this thrilling story.

The success of the Resident Evil 2 and 3 remakes has only fueled the desire for a fresh take on the original Resident Evil. Originally featuring iconic characters like Jill Valentine and Chris Redfield, the first game introduced players to an intriguing storyline. Seeing these beloved characters revitalized in a modern remake would be a thrilling prospect for fans. A recent interaction might have even provided a clue that we might be closer to this reality than we think. Nicole Tompkins, who voiced Jill in the Resident Evil 3 remake, may have subtly hinted at this possibility.

Another exciting development involves a Reddit user, 1ceC0n, who encountered Nicole Tompkins at an event. When asked about the prospect of reprising her role as Jill Valentine in a new remake of the original game, Tompkins reportedly responded with a wink. While not official, it’s certainly enough to get the rumor mill turning. If Capcom decides to revisit the original Resident Evil, it seems likely that Tompkins would return as Jill.

Adding to this speculative excitement is insider buzz. Last May, a trusted industry figure, DanielRPK suggested that Capcom might be in the process of developing a new remake of Resident Evil 1. However, like all unofficial claims, this should be approached with caution.

Looking ahead, the year 2026 presents an ideal opportunity for a surprise re-launch. Resident Evil will celebrate its 30th anniversary on March 22, 2026. With this significant milestone looming, it seems like the perfect time to reintroduce the game that started it all. While fans eagerly anticipate details about Resident Evil 9, an updated version of the original could emerge as a delightful precursor.

For Capcom, letting the 30th anniversary pass without acknowledging it would seem unthinkable, and a remake of the first game would be a perfect tribute. Such a move would not only celebrate Resident Evil’s legacy but also delight longstanding fans, offering a new perspective on the chapter that launched a cultural phenomenon.

Meanwhile, the Resident Evil series has been relatively quiet lately. Resident Evil Village, the most recent entry, came out in 2021, while the Resident Evil 4 remake kept audiences entertained in 2023. Yet, as fans await the next mainline installment, an updated Resident Evil 1 could serve as the perfect tide-me-over, possibly being released alongside Resident Evil 9, making 2026 truly monumental.

As it stands, without official confirmations from Capcom, the trajectory of the Resident Evil series remains unpredictable. If and when an announcement comes, it’ll be intriguing to see if the much-desired remake of the original will indeed see the light of day.