Zach Cregger hasn't finished exploring the limits of on-screen discomfort with Resident Evil. The director is already working on his next project, The Flood, a film he himself describes as the most disturbing of his entire career. The claim carries particular weight right now, as the filmmaker has just established himself as one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary horror after directing Barbarian, Weapons and his recent foray into the Resident Evil franchise.
The announcement comes at a moment when Cregger enjoys considerable recognition within the industry, which makes any statement about his upcoming steps a matter of immediate interest for genre fans.
The Flood, described as the director’s most disturbing work
The Flood is now officially underway and is currently in the casting phase, along with what Cregger himself describes as early preparation. According to his plans, formal preproduction would begin in February, with the goal of starting filming next summer. If that timeline holds, production would kick off in summer 2027.
During a preview of the project given to ScreenRant, the director explained how he envisions this new story:
"It's sci-fi and it's probably my most disturbing movie. It's not a horror movie, but it has a lot of horror in it. I love it. I think it's really, really special. I'm excited about it," Cregger said.
The distinction is key: The Flood isn't being presented as a horror film in the strict sense, but as science fiction with a strong dose of horror. Coming from someone who has directed Resident Evil, that combination has generated considerable anticipation.
Echoes of Kubrick in a new science fiction offering
Cregger has offered an additional hint about the film's tone by comparing it to 2001: A Space Odyssey, by Stanley Kubrick. This reference suggests an experimental approach within the science fiction genre, moving away from more conventional formulas.
For now, the director has not revealed any details about the plot, so it remains unclear what specific elements will make The Flood as disturbing an experience as promised. That secrecy is nothing new in his way of working.
A career marked by unexpected twists
Cregger made his name with Barbarian in 2022 and cemented his style with Weapons in 2025, two titles known for surprising audiences and defying their expectations at every turn of the story. He later took on Resident Evil, applying that same instinct to an already established universe, with zombies, mutations and body horror as recognizable ingredients.
The fact that the director himself places The Flood above that body of work, in terms of its capacity to disturb, is no small detail.
An original story following a stint on a major franchise
The Flood also marks a return to original storytelling for Cregger, after taking charge of an established franchise like Resident Evil. That difference gives him a starting point very different from his previous project.
In Barbarian and Weapons, much of the narrative tension depended on not revealing the plot twists too soon. Resident Evil, on the other hand, allowed him to work with rules and elements already familiar to audiences. With The Flood, the director is starting from scratch again, without the benefit of any prior source material.
The project still doesn't have a confirmed release date. Before that can happen, the casting process must be completed, technical preparation must move forward, and the goal of starting filming next summer must be met.
In the meantime, Cregger's statement leaves genre fans with an expectation that's hard to ignore: after Barbarian, Weapons and Resident Evil, the director believes his most unsettling work is still yet to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Flood, Zach Cregger’s new film?
It's the director's upcoming film project, described by Cregger himself as a science fiction film with a strong dose of horror, currently in the casting and early preparation phase.
When will The Flood be released?
There is no confirmed release date yet. Filming is planned for next summer, which would place the start of production in summer 2027 if the announced timeline holds.
Is The Flood a horror movie?
According to Cregger, it isn't strictly a horror movie but rather science fiction, although the director himself acknowledges it contains a great deal of horror elements.
What other films has Cregger compared his new project to?
The director has drawn comparisons between parts of The Flood and 2001: A Space Odyssey, by Stanley Kubrick, pointing to an experimental approach within science fiction.
What other films has Zach Cregger directed?
Cregger directed Barbarian in 2022 and Weapons in 2025, and recently took on directing a film within the Resident Evil franchise.
Why is The Flood considered his most disturbing project?
Because the director himself has described it that way, ranking it above his previous work in terms of its capacity to unsettle viewers, although no plot details have been revealed yet.
