Resident Evil: Requiem Trailer Shows Fresh Look at Grace Ashcroft's Backstory, But Where's Leon?

Resident Evil: Requiem Showcases New Protagonist Grace Ashcroft at Gamescom, Leon's Role Remains Mystery||||

Tonight's Gamescom Opening Night Live presentation offered a closer look at Resident Evil: Requiem's protagonist Grace Ashcroft, while keeping fan-favorite Leon S. Kennedy conspicuously absent.

As anticipated, Capcom's showcase provided new footage from its upcoming survival horror title (currently playable at Gamescom). The demo highlighted FBI analyst Grace Ashcroft investigating a mysterious hotel years after surviving a traumatic attack there with her mother Alyssa.

Fresh Horror, Familiar Setting

The gameplay sequence reveals Grace and Alyssa attempting to escape a blacked-out hotel after receiving a disturbing phone call. This connects to the game's modern-day storyline where Grace returns as an investigator to uncover the truth.

Capcom has positioned Requiem as a return to the franchise's core narrative established 30 years ago, contrasting with recent installments like Resident Evil 7 and Village that featured standalone stories. Environmental details including Raccoon City landmarks and Umbrella Corporation references have already excited longtime fans.

"We considered Leon as protagonist," director Koshi Nakanishi previously explained, "but crafting horror around him proved challenging. He wouldn't startle at mundane threats. Players don't want to see him frightened by every shadow."

The Leon Kennedy Question

Nakanishi's comments suggest Leon may still appear in action-oriented sequences, as the director specifically noted the character's incompatibility with horror sections rather than ruling out his presence entirely.

Speculation continues as fans await further reveals before Resident Evil: Requiem's February 27, 2026 launch. The absence of concrete Leon footage tonight only intensifies the mystery surrounding his potential role.

The showcase also confirmed returning survival horror mechanics with modern refinements, though Capcom remains tight-lipped about how Grace's investigation will connect to series lore. With nearly two years until release, the studio has ample time to address burning fan questions - including Leon's involvement.