Paul Walter Hauser Joins New Horror Project From ‘Weapons’ Director

Zach Cregger's "Weapons" is one of the year's surprise hits, but the director isn't wasting any time working on his next film.

Cregger has already confirmed that one actor will be taking part in his next project, and he's got a commitment from another top star who's appeared in some of the biggest films of the years.

Paul Walter Hauser, who appeared in "The Naked Gun" and "Fantastic Four: First Steps" this summer, will be featured in Cregger's reboot of "Resident Evil."

After the success of "Weapons," Cregger has been seen as a new visionary mind in the horror world. Now that he's been given the keys to the iconic video game franchise, audiences will get to see his take on the story.

The first "Resident Evil" game released for American audiences in 1996, and was one of the foundational experiences on Sony's first PlayStation console. The game sold millions of copies and inspired numerous sequels, as well as a feature film franchise.

The story usually follows members of an elite task force staffed with stopping a zombie outbreak, often perpetrated by the villainous Umbrella Corporation and its clandestine leader Albert Wesker.

The film franchise, which began in 2002 and starred Mila Jovovich, consisted of six films in its main continuity. The final entry in the series - directed by Paul W.S. Anderson - was "Resident Evil: The Final Chapter," released in 2016.

After focusing on more of an action-based narrative in previous games, the series returned to its stronger horror roots in the seventh and eighth main installments. The previous film series was more in line with the action-focused approach, and we'll see if Cregger deviates from that in his reboot.

In an interview earlier this year with the Hollywood Reporter, Hauser explained his thought process when it comes to accepting or declining certain film roles.

"I feel way too competitive and way too hungry to eat garnish and pretend it’s a meal,” the actor said.

“I would rather hold out for the right thing. On the day, I’m just going to be all hungry, and then I’m going to look stupid, and then I’m going to feel awkward.”

During that interview, Hauser revealed that he turned down an opportunity to be in two popular films from 2024.

Hauser said that he declined opportunities to appear in both "Horizon" and "Challengers" because the roles didn't offer enough depth. He called his appearance in "Fantastic Four" a "full circle" moment after working with director Matt Shakman on an episode of "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" nearly two decades ago.

It's unclear what role Hauser will play in "Resident Evil," but after hearing his philosophy on which roles he chooses to accept, it's clear that it will be one of great substance.