Ever since the disturbing imagery of Raccoon City’s police station surfaced in Resident Evil 9 Requiem’s unveiling, fans have speculated about the return of Leon Kennedy from the dead.

Evidence supporting Leon’s comeback includes insights from a noted leaker hinting at his involvement, alongside community sentiments suggesting Capcom is withholding surprises for the upcoming game. However, director Koshi Nakanishi has made it clear that the tale’s focus will be less on nostalgic figures and more about the new lead, Grace Ashcroft. In communications aimed at Resident Evil ambassadors, translated by YouTuber Neon Slice, Nakanishi stated, “Resident Evil 9 Requiem will star a brand new lead character, Grace Ashcroft.”
(Original: “Resident Evil 9 Requiem will star a brand new lead character, Grace Ashcroft.”)

Nakanishi elaborated further, asserting that Grace is intricately tied to the existing lore of the Resident Evil universe through her late mother, Alyssa Ashcroft. He expressed confidence that her character would provide fresh and exciting storytelling, stating, “Grace will take centre stage in a story rich with new twists and surprises.”
(Original: “Grace will take centre stage in a story packed with fresh twists and surprises.”)

While Nakanishi has previously introduced new leads in the franchise, like Ethan Winters from Resident Evil 7, old favorites still managed to make appearances. He’s reportedly adamant that while the environment revisits familiar locations such as the RPD, the experience will diverge from past formats, emphasizing innovations.

With Requiem set to explore familiar grounds decades after the fallout in Raccoon City, fans are eagerly waiting to see if Leon will emerge from the shadows of the past.

For those interested in the latest developments in horror games, stay tuned for more updates as they come!