Resident Evil's Iconic Characters: A Foreboding Threat Looms
The iconic characters of Resident Evil face an uncertain future as age catches up with them As new protagonists emerge, the franchise undergoes a transformative shift, leaving fans to wonder if the beloved originals will survive in upcoming installments
Capcom has impeccably managed the Resident Evil series over the last six years. Through exceptional remakes and remarkable sequels, the publisher has established it as one of the horror genre's finest franchises. However, with a storyline spanning almost 30 years, the fate of the long-standing Resident Evil characters becomes a topic of curiosity.
What sets this franchise apart is its meticulously documented story timeline. Originating in the mid-90s, the narrative now progresses into the modern era, with each new game set in the present. This consistent timeline introduces fresh protagonists and villains as the years unfold. Unfortunately, considering the age of some of these characters, future installments may choose to conclude their stories with a touch of tragic mortality.
Resident Evil's Original Characters Are Getting Older
The reality is that the original protagonists of Resident Evil are aging. Jill Valentine, Chris Redfield, and Leon Kennedy were young adults in their 20s when the series began. However, as the eighth game unfolds, they would likely be in their 40s, with the potential for Chris Redfield to approach his 70s in Resident Evil 9 if it follows the DLC of Resident Evil Village.
By the time the Shadows of Rose DLC arrives, Leon Kennedy would also be advancing in age and possibly in his 60s. Jill Valentine and Claire Redfield would be considered elderly as well. Typically, older characters in stories assume mentor roles and are often eliminated early on to motivate the new protagonist, or they face demise towards the end for a significant moment of despair. Alternatively, they embark on a final journey that usually ends in their own passing while passing the baton to a younger character. What sets the Resident Evil franchise apart is that it has been employing these storytelling techniques for quite some time now.
New Protagonists Have Already Started Taking Over The Resident Evil Franchise
Resident Evil 6, the most polarizing entry in the numbered series, introduced a shift in focus to younger protagonists. Players assumed the roles of Sherry Birkin, now an adult, and Jake Muller, Albert Wesker's son. The game hinted at the potential of these characters becoming the new heroes, yet this has not been fully realized.
Similarly, Resident Evil 7 and Village featured Ethan Winters as the protagonist, aligning him with the next generation of heroes. It is implied that Chris played a role in his training between installments, and there are indications in both Resident Evil Village and Shadows of Rose that Chris has been involved in Rose's life. This suggests a potential shift in focus towards Rose in future games. While Capcom claims that the latest DLC concludes the tale of the Winters family, if they were to pursue this direction, it could spell trouble for the legacy characters.
There is speculation that Resident Evil 9 is currently in development, with a potential release date in 2025. The game is said to center around Chris Redfield and will serve as a conclusion to the storyline of the previous two games. The exact timing of the events in relation to the Shadows of Rose DLC is uncertain. However, as the original legacy characters age, it is increasingly probable that their time in the franchise may be nearing its end. The outcome of this development remains to be seen, but it is evident that the older characters are at risk of becoming obsolete.
