Key Takeaways:
- Resident Evil Requiem launches February 27, 2026, and promises a chilling new direction for the series.
- Leon Kennedy was considered but ultimately cut as the protagonist of Resident Evil Requiem to preserve the game’s horror tone.
- Grace Ashcroft, a desk-bound FBI analyst, will serve as the new, more relatable lead.
- Leon may still appear in a secondary role, echoing past character cameos in the franchise.
A Fresh Face for Resident Evil 9
Capcom has officially revealed why Resident Evil Requiem—the ninth mainline game in the franchise—won’t star fan-favorite Leon S. Kennedy. Instead, players will step into the shoes of Grace Ashcroft, a new character who breaks away from the series’ traditional tough-guy leads. Grace, an introverted FBI analyst with limited field experience, is designed to mirror the player’s own fear and vulnerability in the terrifying world of Resident Evil.
Also read: GTA VI Just Hit the Xbox Store — But One Major Detail Is Still Missing
“No One Wants to See Leon Scared”
In a recent feature, game director Koshi Nakanishi explained the creative reasoning behind the decision to sideline Leon as the game’s lead. Despite being considered during development, the team concluded that his fearless persona made him a poor fit for the horror-centric tone of Requiem.
“We always thought about making Leon the protagonist, but making a horror game around him is difficult,” Nakanishi stated. “No one wants to see Leon scared by every little thing.”
Unlike previous entries featuring seasoned combatants like Leon or Chris Redfield, Grace Ashcroft is not a super soldier. She’s competent enough to handle threats but lacks the bravado that comes with years of bioterrorism battles—making her a much better conduit for player tension.
Will Leon Still Appear?
While Grace is confirmed as the main character, that doesn’t completely rule out an appearance by Leon. As seen in Resident Evil Village, which briefly let players control Chris Redfield in an action-heavy sequence, Leon could play a supporting or cameo role. Fans continue to speculate that he might return in a limited capacity, especially given the series’ tradition of intertwining character arcs.
A Requiem for Raccoon City
Capcom has described Requiem as a thematic tribute to the aftermath of Raccoon City, suggesting the potential return of past characters. The trauma from that city’s destruction still lingers, and Requiem may serve as a narrative reflection on how those events affected survivors across the series.
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