Resident Evil 9 Will Not Bring Back Leon in the Lead Role for a Very Good Reason

Resident Evil: Requiem (Resident Evil 9) has been officially announced, and while many fans hoped to see familiar names like Leon S. Kennedy lead the charge once again, Capcom has taken an unexpected turn. This time around, Leon will not be the central character, and that decision comes with strong reasoning. Resident Evil 9 is stepping into a new era of fear-driven storytelling aimed at rekindling the franchise’s original survival horror spirit.

A Return to Terror Instead of Gunplay

Resident Evil 9 is being crafted as a single-player horror title that emphasizes fear, atmosphere, and isolation. Capcom has made it clear that the game will not rely on fast-paced action or multiplayer modes. Instead, it embraces classic horror mechanics: tension, exploration, and psychological depth. Within this framework, putting a battle-hardened hero like Leon at the forefront would only undermine the intended emotional impact.

Why Resident Evil Stopped Being Scary

Over time, Resident Evil began drifting away from its survival horror origins and leaned more into cinematic action. Players controlling heavily experienced characters like Leon, Chris Redfield, or Ada Wong felt empowered rather than endangered. These heroes, who have faced bioterror and monsters countless times, no longer conveyed a sense of vulnerability. That vulnerability is a key ingredient in effective horror. As a result, the fear factor steadily diminished.

Resident Evil 7 was a game-changer, offering a much-needed refresh to the series. The introduction of Ethan Winters, an everyday man caught in horrific circumstances, reminded players what it feels like to be truly terrified. Ethan lacked the skills of a trained operative, and his reactions felt authentic, making the experience all the more intense. Resident Evil 9 is taking a similar approach to Resident Evil 7, blending survival horror elements with psychological tension.

Introducing Grace Ashcroft: A New Kind of Survivor

Resident Evil: Requiem presents a brand-new protagonist, Grace Ashcroft, who marks a stark departure from previous leads. Grace is not a soldier, spy, or bioterror expert. She is an emotionally complex woman grappling with past trauma and anxiety. Her fragility and humanity are central to the experience, allowing players to step into a mindset of fear and uncertainty. In this way, Grace becomes the perfect vessel for horror, far more effective than an unshakeable hero like Leon.

Why Leon Was Sidelined, and Why It Works

Leon S. Kennedy has been a staple of the Resident Evil universe since its early days. From surviving Raccoon City to battling bioweapons in Europe, his evolution into a confident, near-invincible figure made him an action icon. However, that confidence also makes him a poor fit for the tone RE9 wants to establish.

The RE9 team is focusing on crafting a more unsettling experience by stripping away familiar comforts, like Leon’s presence. By doing so, they’re creating an atmosphere where tension and uncertainty reign, keeping players on edge. This approach allows the game to tap into the psychological aspects of horror, making the experience more immersive and frightening. In fact, current reports suggest he may not even appear in a supporting capacity. Of course, DLC surprises are always possible.

Reinventing the Gameplay Experience

By combining third-person and first-person perspectives, RE9 aims to create a more dynamic and engaging horror experience. This blend of gameplay styles can allow for a wider range of storytelling and gameplay possibilities, potentially increasing the sense of tension and fear. The game’s setting leans heavily into gothic and psychological horror, with environments designed to evoke dread and isolation. Grace’s inner fears will be just as terrifying as the physical monsters she encounters, making the story as emotional as it is suspenseful.

Is Leon Completely Absent in Resident Evil 9 ?

Capcom has not definitively stated that Leon is entirely excluded from Resident Evil 9. However, his absence from the main narrative is confirmed. This creative gap gives the developers the opportunity to explore new storytelling directions that prioritize fear over fan service. . There’s a possibility that older characters like Leon or Chris could return in a supporting role, acting more as mentors ,guides or supports to the new protagonist—much like Chris Redfield did for Ethan Winters in Resident Evil 7 and Village. While some fans may miss Leon’s presence, this move shows that the franchise is evolving beyond its action-heavy past.

A Necessary Evolution for the Franchise

Resident Evil 9 appears to be a bold return to form: a psychological thriller that leaves behind the bombastic action of past entries. In this new vision, removing Leon from center stage is not a misstep. It is an intentional pivot toward horror that feels raw, intimate, and genuinely scary.

Characters like Leon, Chris, and Ada are survivors. They’re too strong and too fearless, which dilutes horror. What fans need now is uncertainty. Resident Evil 7 and   Resident Evil :Village brought that with Ethan, and RE9 looks set to do it again with Grace Ashcroft. Capcom is choosing fear over familiarity, and it may just be the best decision they have made in years.

Key Takeaways

• Leon is not the protagonist in Resident Evil 9 because Capcom is prioritizing fear and vulnerability.
• Grace Ashcroft, a fragile and emotionally complex woman, leads the story.
• Overpowered characters like Leon, Chris, and Ada reduce the sense of horror by offering too much security.
• Resident Evil 9 takes a page from Resident Evil 7 and Village , focusing on building tension and fear rather than fast-paced action.
• A blend of first- and third-person perspectives will enhance the immersive horror experience.
• Capcom is deliberately moving away from action tropes to revive the franchise’s original tone.

FAQ

Q: Why isn’t Leon the Lead  character in Resident Evil 9?

A: Capcom wants to deliver a grounded, fear-heavy experience. Leon, as a seasoned action hero, doesn’t fit that tone.

Q: Who is the new protagonist in RE9?

A: Grace Ashcroft, a regular woman with emotional trauma and anxiety, takes center stage to amplify the horror atmosphere.

Q: Does this mean Leon is out of the franchise completely?

A: Not necessarily. While he is absent from the main story in RE9, he could return in future entries or downloadable content.

Q: How is RE9 different from RE4 and RE6?

A: Resident Evil 9 focuses on psychological horror and narrative depth, unlike RE4 or RE6, which emphasized action and combat.

Q: Why did Resident Evil stop being scary before?

A: The shift toward action-packed gameplay with super-skilled protagonists removed the vulnerability that made early entries terrifying.

^{Resident Evil Requiem – Creators’ Message}

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