Resident Evil 9 Director Says Leon Kennedy Isn’t Ideal for Horror
▼ Summary
– Leon Kennedy was initially considered for Resident Evil Requiem but was deemed too much of a “bad ass” to fit the horror-focused protagonist role.
– Game director Koshi Nakanishi stated Leon isn’t suited for horror as he wouldn’t react fearfully to minor scares, making him a poor match for the genre.
– The new protagonist, Grace Ashcroft, is an introverted FBI analyst who experiences fear like the player, enhancing immersion and tension.
– Producer Masato Kumazawa emphasized Grace’s relatability and growth, contrasting her with series regulars like Leon and Chris Redfield.
– While Leon may still appear, Resident Evil Requime releases on February 27th for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Steam, focusing on horror through Grace’s perspective.
Leon Kennedy, the iconic Resident Evil hero known for his sharp wit and signature leather jacket, might be too tough for his own good, at least when it comes to horror. According to game director Koshi Nakanishi, Leon’s unshakable confidence makes him a poor fit for the spine-chilling tension the next installment, Resident Evil Requiem, aims to deliver.
Nakanishi explained that Leon simply doesn’t react the way an average person would in terrifying situations. “A character like Leon wouldn’t flinch at a falling bucket, let alone a lurking monster,” he said. “That’s not the kind of protagonist we need for a true horror experience.” Instead, the spotlight shifts to Grace Ashcroft, an FBI intelligence analyst who embodies vulnerability. Unlike seasoned veterans like Leon or Chris Redfield, Grace is introverted and prone to fear, qualities that align her reactions with the player’s own instincts.
Producer Masato Kumazawa emphasized that Grace’s journey is central to the game’s horror-driven narrative. “She starts off easily frightened, but players will witness her growth as she faces unimaginable terrors,” he said. Every shaky breath, every startled jump, Grace’s reactions mirror what players might feel, deepening immersion. By the story’s end, Kumazawa promises, players will admire her resilience.
While Leon may not be the star this time, fans shouldn’t count him out entirely. Resident Evil Requiem launches on February 27 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Steam, offering a fresh perspective on survival horror. Early previews suggest it’s already delivering heart-pounding scares, something even Leon might raise an eyebrow at.
(Source: Eurogamer)
