Exclusive Insider Scoop: Unveiling the Protagonist for Resident Evil 9!
Ethan and Rose Winters, although not the fan favorites, could still make a comeback in Resident Evil 9 Despite the odds, fans eagerly anticipate their return as they embark on another thrilling and terrifying journey in the Resident Evil universe
Highlights
Ethan Winters, though not as popular as other Resident Evil protagonists, still deserves recognition as part of the franchise's legacy.
Ethan Winters goes through a terrifying ordeal in both Resident Evil 7 and Resident Evil Village, facing dismemberment and battling mutated creatures.
While there is a possibility of Ethan Winters making a reappearance, Capcom has hinted at concluding the Winters family narrative and shifting focus to iconic characters in future games. Although his daughter Rose seems a more probable contender for a comeback, it is unlikely to happen anytime soon as the Winters' story has reached its conclusion.
The Resident Evil franchise boasts beloved gaming protagonists, some of whom have been around for nearly thirty years. From the original heroes, Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine, to the equally cherished Leon Kennedy and Claire Redfield in the sequel, the franchise boasts a plethora of legacy characters. Although not as popular, the more recent addition of Ethan Winters still deserves recognition in the Resident Evil hall of fame.
In just two games, Ethan Winters experiences a great deal of turmoil. Introduced in Resident Evil 7, he embarks on a journey to the Louisiana Bayou in search of his missing wife Mia. In just one night, he endures numerous attacks, some of which result in his limbs being severed and reattached with staples. In Resident Evil Village, he is compelled to battle his way through a European town infested with werewolves and other grotesque creatures to rescue his infant daughter. While Ethan Winters has already faced enough hardships, it is unlikely but possible that Capcom may subject him to even more challenges in Resident Evil 9.
Resident Evil 9 Will Probably Move Away from the Winters Family
Major spoilers ahead for Resident Evil Village: Ethan Winters meets his demise at the conclusion of the game. Technically, Ethan actually perished in Resident Evil 7 when he became infected with the Megamycete mold, which has resided within him ever since. With the destruction of the Megamycete by Chris Redfield, Ethan finally succumbs, as his damaged cells can no longer regenerate. Although death is not always final in the Resident Evil universe, it appears that Ethan Winters, in his physical form, is truly gone.
In the DLC for Resident Evil Village, titled Shadows of Rose, the spotlight shifts to Ethan Winters' daughter, who has been rescued. Set 16 years after the events of Village, Rose Winters struggles with her inherited Megamycete abilities, a result of being abducted by Mother Miranda. Determined to rid herself of these powers, Rose ventures into the realm of the Megamycete, where she encounters a fading manifestation of her father's consciousness, aiding her in her escape. As the DLC comes to a close, Rose pays a visit to her father's grave, before she is seemingly collected by one of Chris Redfield's operatives. Meanwhile, an unidentified figure approaches the vehicle, adding to the intrigue.
Although Ethan Winters may be presumed deceased, the possibilities remain open for his potential return in some manner in Resident Evil Village, along with the chance for Rose Winters to emerge as a force for good in a sequel. However, Capcom has officially stated that the Winters' story has reached its conclusion. In September 2022, prior to the release of the Shadows of Rose DLC, Capcom's Kento Kinoshita confirmed that the DLC would serve as the conclusion to the Winters family saga, implying that neither Ethan nor Rose will be featured in Resident Evil 9.
Considering the immense success of recent remakes, the decision to conclude the Winters saga here is logical. While Ethan was a respectable protagonist, he didn't resonate with fans in the same way as the iconic characters from the Resident Evil legacy, particularly with the release of the highly acclaimed Resident Evil 4 Remake. It is probable that Resident Evil 9 will aim to reintroduce classic franchise characters, potentially as the primary playable cast. Although Rose Winters may make a future appearance in the series, it is likely to be a while before that happens.
