Zach Cregger’s upcoming Netflix sci-fi movie hits a major setback following the horror director’s major box office success with Weapons. Cregger’s Weapons became a box office hit during its theatrical run, amassing $268 million against a $38 million budget. The director has a multitude of other projecets now in development, including an upcoming Resident Evil movie adaptation.
However, according to a report from The Wrap (via AV Club), development on one of Cregger’s projects has halted. His sci-fi movie for Netflix, The Flood, has paused development following disagreements about whether the movie should have a theatrical release. According to the report, Netflix Films chairman Dan Lin suggested the film could be released theatrically to get Cregger aboard.
However, the report goes on to state Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos axed the idea of a theatrical release for the movie. This leaves the fate of the film uncertain, as Cregger’s intention is to only make movies for movie theaters. Of the three sources cited by The Wrap, however, two say the movie is still in development despite disagreements.
Cregger’s Resident Evil remake is the project he’s currently focused on, with filming currently taking place in Prague. The movie is set to be released in theaters and on IMAX screens on September 18, 2026. Following its production, the director was poised to tackle The Flood, though now it remains uncertain given this latest report.
What’s interesting to note is tension over The Flood getting a theatrical release comes as Netflix has begun breaking into theaters more readily. Their wide release of the acclaimed KPop Demon Hunters topped weekly box office charts. They’re also planning to debut Stranger Things season 5’s finale on the big screen, alongside Greta Gerwig’s Narnia adaptation on 1,000 IMAX screens.
This conflict is made all the more intriguing because of Cregger’s proven track record for theatrically successful horror movies. His previous horror movie, 2022’s Barbarian, raked in $45.4 million off a $4 million budget. Because he has more name recognition than ever before thanks to Weapons, releasing The Flood theatrically seems like it’d be a benefit for Netflix.
For now, though, it appears Cregger’s focus will be on filming Resident Evil and tackling any issues with The Flood once his current project is complete. Whether any future developments will get Netflix to change their minds remains unknown. However, with the director already having strong leverage to argue for a theatrical release, it might be the streamer’s smartest move.