Capcom’s iconic survival horror franchise made a swift comeback with 2017’sResident Evil 7, and after 2021’sResident Evil Villagethe franchise is seemingly more successful than ever. BothResident Evil 7andResident Evil Villagefelt like a much-needed evolution of the 25-year-old series, and fans are excited to see whereResident Evil 9takes things next.
Resident Evil 7took the franchise back to its survival horrors roots with many parallels to the originalResident Evil.Resident Evil Villageretained some of the new ideas introduced inResident Evil 7while also taking more risks with its storytelling, characters, and setting, using parallels to the cult-classicResident Evil 4.Resident Evil 9will reportedly serve as a concluding chapter to the story that started inResident Evil 7, but given how Ethan’s return seems less feasible this time around, it could be time to bring back some of the classic characters to tie up loose ends and connect the Winters' storyline to the broaderResident Eviluniverse.
RELATED:The Winters' Storyline in Resident Evil is Great, But It Needs More Than Chris
Resident Evil Characters Who Should Return in Resident Evil 9
Over the course of 25 years,Resident Evilhas introduced a multitude of protagonists with unique personalities that set them apart from one another. From college students to rookie cops, and from government agents to spies, everyResident Evilprotagonisthas a different flair, as well as a distinct and committed fandom.
However, Capcom hasn’t done justice to many of its classic characters who have yet to receive closure. Jill Valentine has been notably missing since the events ofResident Evil 5, and aside from a brief mention inResident Evil Revelations 2there hasn’t been any concrete info on her whereabouts. A new rumor from a notableResident Evilleaker Dusk Golem suggests thatJill Valentine may have a huge role inResident Evil 9, which by the story’s perspective doesn’t seem too farfetched given her connections to Chris Redfield.
The cheeky Jake Muller, son of enigmatic Albert Wesker, was first introduced inResident Evil 6, whose connections granted him antibodies necessary to make the vaccine for the C-virus. No one knows what happened toJake Muller afterResident Evil 6, though the game’s ending did leave enough room for a return. Jake has ties to Eastern Europe, whereResident Evil Villagealso happens to take place.
Resident Evil 7andResident Evil Villagetry to modernize theResident Evilformula while also retaining parts of classic games. The next logical step should be to bring back a fan-favorite protagonist whose role in the Winters' storyline is a much-needed piece of the puzzle.Resident Evil Villagemay be one of the most confident entries in the series, but Chris' stereotypical role in addition to the lack of other familiar faces leaves an inexplicable void that Capcom should fill.
Resident Evil 9may retain the first-person perspective from the past twoResident Evilgames, so playing as classic Resident Evil characters may feel odd at first. However, someone like Jake Muller would open new possibilities for how Capcom approaches traversal and melee combat. Jake’s agile nature and expertise in melee combat could provide a very different first-personResident Evilexperience compared to the past two games, something that may resembleDying Light.
The sequel still be years away at this point, with a rumoredResident Evil: Outrageallegedly the next in line. According to rumors,Resident Evil: Outrage’s development started asResident Evil Revelations 3and will feature Rebecca Chambers as a protagonist. Whether it’s true or not remains to be seen, though if true, this could be an indication of the direction Capcom is planning to head withResident Evil 9.
