The Resident Evil series is among the most popular horror franchises in history, with entries across all forms of multimedia. Over the years, the franchise has introduced a host of cataclysmic viruses, terrorist threats, bio-mutated monsters, and the complete decimation of multiple major cities. Within the series' games, no character has been present for more of these horrific events than Resident Evil's Chris Redfield, who has been featured in almost every major entry since the original title in 1996. The series' most recent title, Resident Evil Village, saw Chris forced to make deeply traumatizing decisions, which resulted in a major loss. Given his history of trauma, and the events of Resident Evil Village, Resident Evil 9 could prey on Chris Redfield with psychological horror.
Resident Evil 9 has yet to be officially announced. However, rumors and supposed leaks have been circulating the internet since 2022. The title's first rumors have it focusing on moon cycles, with the logo possibly incorporating the moon itself. Resident Evil 9's working title, Apocalypse, was also supposedly leaked, though it remains unconfirmed to this day. The game will supposedly feature shapeshifting creatures who can take the form of friendly NPCs and mimic human voices. While Resident Evil Village's Shadows of Rose DLC brought about the end of the Winter's Saga, it saw Rose possibly join Chris Redfield's Hound Wolf Squad. It is possible both characters could appear in Resident Evil 9.
Chris Redfield Has Been Fundamentally Changed by Resident Evil's Events
Chris Redfield's life changed after Resident Evil's Raccoon City Incident. When players first met Chris, he was a member of Raccoon City's Special Tactics and Rescue Service (S.T.A.R.S.), following his dismissal from the United States Air Force. As a member of S.T.A.R.S., Chris began his lifelong mission to fight bioterrorism, beginning with the secret laboratory in the Arklay Mansion and the T-virus outbreak in Raccoon City. Across Resident Evil (1996), Code Veronica, Resident Evil 5, and Resident Evil 6, Chris Redfield was slowly transformed into an emotionless and efficient BSAA operative. However, the events of those titles took a heavy toll on his psyche, leading to a massive depression.
The events of later Resident Evil titles saw Chris Redfield make increasingly worse decisions. Chris' determination to end bioterrorism saw him put many of his partners in harm's way, as he developed personal grudges that blinded his decision-making. When the Resident Evil series transitioned to first-person survival horror in Resident Evil 7, Chris was discovered to have defected from the BSAA, appearing to save Ethan Winters at the title's conclusion. However, Chris would later orchestrate the Winters family moving to Europe, which causes the events of Resident Evil Village. His actions lead to Miranda's capture of Ethan's Wife, Mia, which results in Chris personally kidnapping Ethan's Daughter, Rose, with no explanation. Chris' determination to find and destroy the Megamycete, and his kidnapping of Rose, eventually lead to the death of Village's Ethan.
Resident Evil 9 Could See Chris' Horrific Past Catch Up With Him
Resident Evil 9 could see a much older Chris Redfield brought face to face with the horrors of his past. Following Resident Evil Village, Chris' mental health is sure to be worse than ever, as he deeply traumatized the Winters' surviving members for life. Resident Evil 9's Chris could see his traumas made real through a title that puts psychological horror first. Combining both the horrific events that Chris has witnessed and the horrible losses he's personally caused, Resident Evil 9 could make for a truly terrifying and deeply personal end to his story.
It remains to be seen how much longer Chris Redfield can carry the Resident Evil series. With his major role in Village, the character appears to have at least one story left to tell. With the character canonically having to be roughly 70 years old by the time Shadows of Rose concludes, it is likely Resident Evil 9 will occur after Village, but before its DLC. Until more news is shared by developer Capcom, fans of the Resident Evil series eagerly await Resident Evil 9's official announcement.