Resident Evil 30th Anniversary: Who Returns Next After Requiem?
As Resident Evil celebrates three decades of survival horror, we delve into the current status of every major hero and villain to assess their likelihood of appearing in a new game. Published on March 23, 2026, this analysis explores the series' continuous story, with characters aging alongside the games, from fresh-faced rookies to grizzled veterans.
Chris Redfield – Debut: Resident Evil (1996)
Chris Redfield remains a cornerstone of the series, dedicated to combating zombie virus threats as a key BSAA member. With the most playable appearances, his last was in Resident Evil Village (2021), and the Shadows Of Rose DLC (set in 2037) confirms his ongoing role in fighting bioterrorism and protecting Ethan's daughter Rose.
Jill Valentine – Debut: Resident Evil (1996)
Jill Valentine, a co-lead from the original game, has been absent from mainline titles since Resident Evil 5 (2009), despite appearances in remakes and spin-offs. As a BSAA member, she is overdue for a playable return, potentially in Resident Evil 10.
Barry Burton – Debut: Resident Evil (1996)
Barry Burton, known for iconic lines, has had few mainline appearances since Resident Evil 1. His last role was in Resident Evil: Revelations 2 (2015), where he reunited with his family, but he has been absent since, leaving his future uncertain.
Rebecca Chambers – Debut: Resident Evil (1996)
Rebecca Chambers debuted as a rookie medic and later joined the BSAA. With cameos in games and animated movies, a rumored Resident Evil 0 remake could pave the way for her return in Resident Evil 10, now in her late 40s.
Albert Wesker – Debut: Resident Evil (1996)
Albert Wesker, the iconic villain, met his end in Resident Evil 5. Capcom has kept him dead, though Requiem introduced Zeno, a possible clone. Wesker's legacy continues to influence the series, with potential developments in upcoming DLC.
Leon S. Kennedy – Debut: Resident Evil 2 (1998)
Leon S. Kennedy evolved from a rookie cop to a fan-favorite government agent. His latest appearance in Resident Evil Requiem suggests he may sit out Resident Evil 10, but his popularity ensures future roles.
Claire Redfield – Debut: Resident Evil 2 (1998)
Claire Redfield, a TerraSave worker, last appeared playably in Resident Evil: Revelations 2. A rumored Code: Veronica remake could lead to her return in Resident Evil 10, as she remains a series regular.
Ada Wong – Debut: Resident Evil 2 (1998)
Ada Wong, the enigmatic spy, has not been seen chronologically since Resident Evil 6. With Leon's mystery wedding ring in Requiem, fans speculate she may appear in DLC, given her ties to Leon.
Sherry Birkin – Debut: Resident Evil 2 (1998)
Sherry Birkin, from rescued child to playable character in Resident Evil 6, appeared in Requiem in a desk role. Her regeneration abilities and youthful appearance make her a candidate for future playable leads.
Ethan Winters – Debut: Resident Evil 7 biohazard (2017)
Ethan Winters, the "normal" hero, sacrificed himself in Resident Evil Village. His spirit returned in the Shadows Of Rose DLC, but Capcom considers his saga over, indicating no further appearances.
Rosemary Winters – Debut: Resident Evil Village (2021)
Rosemary Winters, with Mold-controlling powers, joined the BSAA in Shadows Of Rose. Not mentioned in Requiem due to her young age, she could return in future games set further ahead.
Grace Ashcroft – Debut: Resident Evil Requiem (2026)
Grace Ashcroft, the newest hero and FBI agent, debuted in Requiem. Her popularity and ties to lesser-known character Alyssa Ashcroft suggest potential future involvement, possibly in DLC.
Other Notable Characters
Carlos Oliveira last appeared in the Resident Evil 3 remake, with no major roles since. Billy Coen may return in a rumored Resident Evil 0 remake. Ashley Graham gained proactive traits in the Resident Evil 4 remake, hinting at a possible agent role. Sheva Alomar has been largely ignored since Resident Evil 5. Jake Muller and Helena Harper from Resident Evil 6 are unlikely to return. Piers Nivans died in Resident Evil 6. Moira Burton and Natalia Korda have not been seen since Revelations 2. Emily, a new character in Requiem, was adopted by Grace and could become a future hero.
Resident Evil Series Timeline
The main games timeline spans from 1998 to 2037, including titles like Resident Evil 0, Resident Evil 4, Resident Evil 7, and Resident Evil Requiem, with Shadows Of Rose set as the latest entry.
As Resident Evil looks to the future, Capcom may be building a new generation of heroes, including Rose and Emily, to replace aging originals in games set in the 2030s.
