Deadline reports that the zombie horror franchise Resident Evil is setting up shop at Netflix where it will become a scripted series. Constantin Film, the studio that produced the slate of films starring Milla Jovovich, based on the Capcom video game series, will remain, though a show runner has yet to be found.
Per the report, the plan is to expand upon Resident Evil’s cinematic universe with new stories set in the already established world. Supposedly, the basic premise will remain the same with an added emphasis on exploring the Umbrella Corporation and “the new world order caused by the outbreak of the T-virus.” The series will also incorporate the film series’ signature action style and penchant for “easter eggs.”
The news comes closely after director/producer James Wan backed away from producing a reboot in December.
The last installment of the first series of Resident Evil movies, helmed by Paul W.S. Anderson and starring his wife Milla Jovovich, earned $26.8 million domestically. Internationally, however, Resident Evil: The Final Chapter grossed an impressive $285.4 million, with $160 million of that coming from China. The $40 million-budgeted sixth film, distributed by Sony‘s Screen Gems, has earned $312.2 million worldwide.
Based on Capcom’s hugely popular video games, the Resident Evil movies have earned $1.2 billion worldwide to date, making it the highest-grossing film series to be based on a video game.
