Regal’s New ‘Resident Evil’ Popcorn Bucket Is Actually a Bag, and It’s Perfectly Unhinged
Movie theater merchandise has quietly become its own bizarre art form over the past few years, with chains constantly trying to outdo each other in dreaming up the strangest, most attention-grabbing collectible tied to a big release. Every new blockbuster seems to bring another round of themed cups, buckets, and novelty items designed to go viral before the film even hits screens.
That trend has hit a new peak just ahead of one of this fall’s most anticipated horror releases. Zach Cregger’s reimagining of a beloved video game franchise has already built plenty of anticipation heading into its theatrical debut, thanks largely to the director’s growing reputation following ‘Barbarian’ and ‘Weapons.’
The official popcorn bucket for Zach Cregger’s ‘Resident Evil‘ is actually a popcorn bag, according to Bloody Disgusting. Regal has revealed the Resident Evil Organ Transplant Popcorn Bag, available in theaters, which comes with a large popcorn included, with the packaging pointedly noting that the heart is not included.
The green medical-style cooler bag is designed to resemble the actual organ transport container carried by the film’s protagonist during his journey through Raccoon City. Rather than simply slapping a logo on a generic bucket, Regal built the collectible directly around one of the film’s key plot elements, complete with a white medical cross, blood splatter graphics, and warning labels reading “Handle with Care, Keep Cool, Do Not Freeze.”
‘Resident Evil’ follows Bryan, played by Austin Abrams, a medical courier who unwittingly finds himself in a nonstop race for survival as a horrifying outbreak collapses around him during one fateful night. Zach Cherry, Kali Reis, Paul Walter Hauser, and Johnno Wilson round out the film’s cast, with the story unfolding as an original take set alongside the events of ‘Resident Evil 2’ rather than continuing the franchise’s previous film series.
Cregger has been candid about just how far he pushed the film’s horror elements. Speaking with Empire Magazine, he called it “definitely the most violent thing I’ve done,” adding, “You gotta go grotesque! I wanted to go all the way.” He described the tone bluntly as “gnarly,” “brutal,” and “a very bloody affair,” while also clarifying his focus wasn’t on deep franchise lore. “This movie is about one dude’s journey on foot, fighting monsters,” he explained.
That singular focus on Bryan’s survival story marks a deliberate departure from earlier ‘Resident Evil’ films, which leaned heavily on ensemble casts built around the game franchise’s most recognizable characters. Cregger’s version strips that formula down entirely, betting on a tighter, more grounded horror experience instead.
The popcorn bag isn’t the only piece of merchandise generating buzz ahead of release, either. Universal Japan has already debuted its own ‘Resident Evil’ popcorn bucket for Halloween Horror Nights, and AMC has followed with its own version called the Critical Cargo Bag, suggesting this franchise’s theatrical return is turning into a genuine collectibles moment across multiple markets.
With ‘Resident Evil’ set to hit theaters, including IMAX screens, on September 18, this gleefully macabre popcorn bag fits right in with the film’s unapologetically gory tone. For horror fans who appreciate a bit of dark humor alongside their scares, Regal’s latest concession item might be the most fitting piece of movie merch released all year.
Would you actually buy Regal’s Resident Evil Organ Transplant Popcorn Bag?
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