Summary

• Resident Evil 9 is confirmed to be in development.
• Rose Winters serving as the lead in the new game will offer a fresh perspective and abilities.
• If this series staple dies in RE9, it would be a shake-up of the series' lore.

Koshi Nakanishi, director of Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, recently confirmed that Resident Evil 9 is in the works at Capcom. Nakanishi confirmed a new installment was in development while promoting a new mobile version of Biohazard. Series devotees are already debating where the story may go after the events of 2021’s Resident Evil Village, and it's certainly anyone’s guess. The Shadows of Rose DLC focuses on events sixteen years after Village's main story ends. Since the game is almost certain to follow the events of Biohazard and Village, Chris Redfield is sure to play a vital role.

Anyone vaguely familiar with the Resident Evil series knows that Redfield has been a cornerstone of the franchise's identity since its debut way back in 1996. While the character has not appeared in every game in the series, few others in the wider Resident Evil story have had as much impact. Between his work in S.T.A.R.S., the Bioterrorism Security Assessment Alliance (BSAA), and Blue Umbrella, Redfield has given his all in the fight against bioterrorism. However, all good things must come to an end, and in Resident Evil, they often do. Chris Redfield needs to die in Resident Evil 9.

Rose Winters Could Be An Exciting Lead For RE9

Her Abilities Could Make For An Interesting Story And Mechanics

Rose Winters is an incredible character who is more than capable of carrying the wider RE narrative forward. The telekinetic abilities she acquired from her exposure to the toxic mold offer immense potential for future stories and mechanics. Considering also that the Shadows of Rose DLC takes place in the near future, such a setting would also be exciting for the series. Additionally, her unique powers and personal struggles provide fresh perspectives and depth to the Resident Evil universe. With her complex background and evolving abilities, Rose's character can open up new directions and challenges for the franchise to explore.

Some leaks indicate that Resident Evil 9 may be set in Southeast Asia.

Redfield was born in 1973, making him 48 years old in RE Village. The Shadows of Rose DLC takes place sixteen years after the events of Village, making Redfield 64 years of age. If RE9 takes place after Shadows of Rose, that would put Redfield well within the age of retirement, and yet, he may very well refuse to retire. His death would be a significant event in Resident Evil lore, perhaps even bringing Jill Valentine and Claire Redfield back into the spotlight. Both characters would make valuable assets to the Hound Wolf Squad, as well as allies to Rose.

Chris Redfield's Death Would Cause A Shockwave In RE Lore

The Death Of Such A Vital Character Would Need To Be Done Well

Uniting Rose with Jill Valentine and Claire Redfield would be a fantastic way of opening up unique story options, combining the strengths of iconic veterans with the Rose's unique telekinetic abilities. Such a dynamic trio would make for a formidable alliance in a setting that may prove entirely new for the series. This alliance could open up thrilling new narrative possibilities and character interactions, bridging the gap between different generations of Resident Evil heroes and lore while introducing innovative gameplay mechanics. Such a team-up would not only captivate series devotees but also invigorate the series with renewed energy and direction.

Obviously, Redfield potentially dying in RE9 is merely an idea, and such an event should not be handled frivolously. There are endless ways in which the character is still valuable to the franchise, especially considering the bond he now shares with Rose. If he were to die, the developers at Capcom would certainly have their work cut out for them, considering the character’s popularity and importance to the overall lore. It’s also very possible that RE9 will focus on an entirely different group of characters than the previous two entries. Regardless, Resident Evil 9 will be hotly anticipated by fans.