Austin Abrams on Subverting Action Hero Tropes in Resident Evil
Actor discusses his unconventional approach to horror film acting
1Rejecting action hero stereotypes
Austin Abrams deliberately avoided playing a 'cool action hero' in Resident Evil, drawing inspiration from Shaun of the Dead's approach to horror comedy. He focused on making his character Bryan react naturally to the zombie chaos, creating a more relatable protagonist. This unconventional choice reflects a growing trend in horror films to prioritize authentic human reactions over stylized heroics.
2Character development approach
Abrams constantly asked himself how an ordinary person would realistically react to the bizarre situations in Resident Evil. He contrasted this with more experienced characters who might handle the situations with practiced ease, which he found less interesting to watch. This method acting approach helped create a protagonist who genuinely doesn't understand the unfolding horror, mirroring some audience members' perspectives.
3Creative process insights
The actor particularly enjoyed exploring his character's confusion during early scenes, like encountering the demonic dog. Abrams experimented with different interpretations, even considering whether his character might think they were facing aliens. This creative exploration, while ultimately not used in the final performance, informed his portrayal of genuine bewilderment amidst the supernatural events.
4Audience perspective consideration
Abrams was mindful that many viewers would be familiar with the Resident Evil game lore, while his character Bryan wouldn't know what was happening. This created an interesting dynamic where the character's confusion could either enhance the tension or potentially frustrate knowledgeable audiences. The actor had to balance these competing demands in his performance.
5Horror comedy influences
The actor specifically cited Shaun of the Dead as inspiration for finding humor in horror. Abrams appreciated how that film allowed its characters to react naturally to extreme situations, creating both laughs and tension. He sought to bring similar grounded reactions to Resident Evil, believing this approach makes for more compelling viewing than traditional action hero posturing.
6Performance philosophy
Abrams' approach represents a broader shift in horror acting away from vanity and toward authenticity. He prioritized making his character's fear and confusion feel genuine rather than looking impressive on screen. This philosophy extends from his previous work in Weapons to his current role in Resident Evil, showing consistency in his artistic choices.
7Collaborative context
The film marks Abrams' latest collaboration with director Zach Cregger, following their previous work together. Their established working relationship likely contributed to the actor's comfort in taking creative risks with the role. Early reviews suggest their unconventional approach to the Resident Evil franchise is resonating with audiences.
8Industry implications
Abrams' performance choices reflect evolving audience expectations in the horror genre, where authenticity often trumps traditional heroics. As major franchises like Resident Evil continue to expand, such nuanced acting approaches may become more common. The actor's willingness to subvert expectations could influence how future video game adaptations approach character development.
Original article: Gizmodo — Austin Abrams on Subverting Action Hero Tropes in Resident Evil