The original Resident Evil premiered almost twenty years ago. Starring Milla Jovovich and Michelle Rodriguez, the film follows amnesiac heroine Alice, who, along with a group of Umbrella Corporation commandos, tries to contain the outbreak of the deadly T-virus.
The film would spawn five sequels and cement Jovovich and Rodriguez as prominent action stars. They still retain their reputation, and, should the film be remade, the two could still play the same roles and be as convincing as they were back then. But, the fun of recasting a movie relies on choosing an entirely new set of actors to take on the now-iconic roles.
Isla Johnston As The Red Queen
Fresh off her scene-stealing turn as young Beth Harmon in Netflix mega-hit The Queen's Gambit, fourteen-year-old Isla Johnston is ready to take Hollywood by storm.
Johnston would make an incredible Red Queen. She has the necessary eeriness to portray the creepy character, and, while she lacks the English accent of the original, she makes up in talent and screen presence. In fact, Johnston is so good that her casting would warrant giving more importance to the Red Queen.
Manny Jacinto As J.D. Salinas
Manny Jacinto stole the hearts of many with his hilarious and endearing performance in The Good Place. As Jason Mendoza, Jacinto was funny, engaging, sweet, and charming; a perfect himbo if ever there was one. The show ended in 2020, but Jacinto certainly made an impression on audiences.
The role of J.D. is short, but Jacinto could still manage to make the most out of his screentime. As part of the commandos, J.D. is one of the first characters to perish at the hands of the horde of zombies. Still, the role could be the beginning of an action career for the deserving and charming actor.
Adam Rodriguez As James "One" Shade
Known for his roles in venerable TV franchises like CSI: Miami and Criminal Minds, Rodriguez also made a splash on the big screen with his role in Magic Mike and its sequel.
The role of James "One" Shade, leader of the commandos, is meaningful in the film's first act. He dies before the half of the film, but he gets one of the most memorable death scenes in the entire franchise. The now-iconic laser scene could also be enhanced, making it more suspenseful and increasing the sense of dread at the certain death coming the soldier's way.
Chris Lowell As Chad Kaplan
Chad Kaplan is the one soldier who makes it to the film's end. After most of his team perishes in the laser grid, Chad remains with the group. He gets attacked by a zombie horde and briefly separates from Alice and company before making his grand return during the film's third act. Alas, he doesn't make it alive of the film and dies at the hands of a Licker.
Chris Lowell would be an ideal choice to play Kaplan. Since his breakthrough role as Stosh "Piz" Piznarski in Veronica Mars, Lowell appeared in critically acclaimed films like The Help and Promising Young Woman. Kaplan is a substantial enough role to elevate his status and another solid entry to his resume.
Mehcad Brooks As Spence Parks
Mehcad Brooks' first major role came in 2006 as Betty Applewhite's problematic son Matthew in season two of Desperate Housewives. After playing numerous roles in several TV shows, he landed the role of Jimmy Olsen in Supergirl. Recently, he played the role of Jax in this year's gore-fest, Mortal Kombat.
Brooks would be excellent as Spence Parks, the film's villain. He spends most of the first half of the movie with amnesia, and his duplicitous nature only comes to light near the end of the second act. Spence is an intriguing and menacing character that would also contribute to Brooks' rising star.
Jonathan Bailey As Matthew "Matt" Addison
After rising to prominence thanks to Netflix's juggernaut Bridgerton, Jonathan Bailey is ready to become an A-lister. He's already an Olivier Award winner thanks to his role in the West End revival of Sondheim's classic, Company. Furthermore, his role in Bridgerton could result in an Emmy nomination.
Matt Addison is one of the most tragic figures in the Resident Evil canon. He goes through an engaging arc during the first film only to suffer a terrible ending at the end. His relationship with Alice provides the emotional core of the story, and Bailey is more than capable of doing it justice.
Eiza González As Rain Ocampo
Mexican actress Eiza González is slowly building an impressive action resumé. Although she mostly plays supporting roles, her filmography includes critically acclaimed movies, like Baby Driver and I Care A Lot, and blockbusters, like Hobbs & Shaw and Godzilla vs. Kong.
González has everything to play Rain Ocampo, the fierce and intimidating soldier part of the Umbrella commando unit. Rain is vital to Resident Evil's success, and the role calls for an actress with the right amount of strength and vulnerability. González is more than up for the challenge.
Tatiana Maslany As Alice
The protagonist of the movie and the pillar upon which the entire franchise stands, Alice is at the center of every Resident Evil movie. Her story is too convoluted to explain in just a couple of lines, but she's the ultimate hero who'll always be there to save the day.
Tatiana Maslany jumped to fame with her critically acclaimed turn in Orphan Black. Her performance as multiple characters earned her the 2016 Emmy Award for Lead Actress in a Drama. Maslany will also be playing Jennifer Walters, A.K.A. She-Hulk, in the upcoming Disney+ show, making her a bonafide action star.