Resident Evil Requiem: Leon Kennedy Returns with a Chainsaw, New Villain Revealed

Leon Kennedy Returns, Brandishing a Chainsaw in Resident Evil Requiem Reveal

Capcom has finally silenced the relentless whispers surrounding Leon S. Kennedy, confirming that the beloved franchise veteran will indeed be the second playable character in the highly anticipated Resident Evil Requiem. A gripping gameplay trailer, unveiled with much fanfare, not only sheds light on a chilling new antagonist but also intricately details Leon's pivotal role.

A Glimpse of a Seasoned Survivor

During The Game Awards, fans were treated to their first substantial look at Kennedy in over three decades since the harrowing Raccoon City incident. The years have undeniably etched their mark; he appears visibly older, his demeanor hardened by a lifetime of confronting unimaginable horrors. His eyes, once perhaps naive, now betray a profound weariness, a testament to the relentless battles he's endured.

Dual Narratives, United Purpose

Leon's return to the ninth installment of the series is driven by a mission to aid Grace Ashcroft, a new protagonist whose story unfolds in parallel. The trailer culminates in a visceral display of his combat prowess, featuring a brutal arsenal of an axe, pistol, and, most shockingly, a chainsaw. In a particularly savage sequence, Leon carves through a doctor's office with the roaring inferno of the chainsaw before confronting the game's primary threat.

Introducing a Twisted New Menace

The trailer conspicuously introduces the game's new antagonist: Doctor Victor Gideon. His visage is a grotesque tableau of disfigurement, his skin and facial features alarmingly warped. This unsettling appearance immediately evokes comparisons to another monstrous stalker encountered in a derelict hospital setting within the series, hinting at a potential, sinister connection. This detail has reignited speculation about the identity of that hulking, three-meter-tall monstrosity with a face as if caught in an explosion. Some had theorized it to be the missing reporter, Alyssa Ashcroft, a notion now complicated by her documented demise during the Raccoon City catastrophe. However, a cutscene subtly showing her alive with her adult daughter has cast a new, intriguing shadow of doubt.

Leon's Combat: Brutal Evolution

For the first time, we've witnessed Leon's combat style in Resident Evil Requiem, a reveal that has been intensely anticipated, especially with the game's release drawing nearer. While Capcom has teased a diverse array of weaponry, Grace's initial gameplay will involve a desperate scramble for any means of defense. The studio has yet to fully unveil the combat system but has promised a deeper dive into enemy types and the distinct gameplay differences between Grace and Leon in the coming weeks.

A Return to Form and the Meaning of 'Requiem'

On a broader thematic level, the game's narrative appears to steer the series back towards its foundational horror roots. The very title, "Requiem," signifies a 'funeral mass' or a solemn tribute to a "pivotal moment in the series' history." Producer Masato Kumazawa had previously hinted at the inclusion of characters intrinsically linked to the Raccoon City incident. At the time, Capcom expressed reservations about Leon's suitability, citing the game's focus on pure horror and survival. It's now evident that this was a deliberate strategy to preserve the surprise of his inclusion.

Atmospheric Terror and Imminent Release

Capcom is clearly prioritizing atmosphere as a cornerstone of Resident Evil Requiem. Those fortunate enough to experience the demo at Gamescom 2025 can attest to its effectiveness; a brief segment conveyed the palpable tension: darkened locales, dynamic encounters, and an unwavering emphasis on suspense and exploration.

Resident Evil Requiem is slated for release on February 27, 2026, and will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and the Nintendo Switch 2.