Resident Evil Movie Reboot: 10 Things It MUST Get Right
4. Don't Throw Wesker In For No Reason
Albert Wesker was originally a throw away antagonist in the original RE game, or so we thought. After he is unceremoniously gutted by the Tyrant down in the underground lab, we expected never to see or hear from the Johnny Bravo-wannabe again.
Much to everyone’s surprise though, Wesker would return a few games later in Resident Evil CODE: Veronica. New and improved, Wesker has traded in humanity for powers that make him virtually unstoppable. Through clever writing on CAPCOM’s behalf, they were able to retro-fit Wesker across the series to build a narrative that he had been the master manipulator behind the franchise all along.
It's a story that works precisely because Wesker isn’t actually present for the majority of it, always choosing to work in the shadows or via pawns. Pulling the strings of his minions to collect samples of every biological weapon whilst he sits in his chair like the Thanos of the Resident Evil universe.
Given the popularity of the character across the fandom there will likely be temptation to ensure he is included heavily in the film. Umbrella Academy star Tom Hopper has been cast to play the stylish villain but the film needs to utilise him sparingly. Uncovering his betrayal of S.T.A.R.S. is the focal point of the mystery that Claire will be trying to solve.
If they really want to have him in the movie beyond the RE1 scenes, they should save him for a last-minute tease at the very end of the movie. Dare I say, in a post-credit scene?