Capcom Explains Why Leon S. Kennedy Might Not Be the Main Character in Resident Evil Requiem

Capcom Clarifies Leon S. Kennedy’s Role in Resident Evil Requiem

Recently, Capcom revealed that Leon S. Kennedy, one of the most beloved characters in the Resident Evil franchise, is considered a “bad match for horror” within the context of the upcoming game, Resident Evil Requiem. This statement has sparked widespread speculation among fans about whether the iconic protagonist will still be featured as a playable character or even as a secondary protagonist in the game.

Absence of Leon in the Latest Trailer Sparks Rumors

During Capcom Spotlight 2025, the company showcased a new preview of Requiem, notably omitting any appearance of Leon S. Kennedy. Fans quickly noticed this absence, especially since previous trailers hinted at his potential involvement. The director of the game, Koshi Nakanishi, addressed this curiosity directly, providing insight into the creative choices behind the character selection.

Why Was Leon Not Chosen as the Protagonist?

According to Nakanishi, the main character for Requiem is Grace Ashcroft, an FBI intelligence analyst. He explained that Ashcroft’s personality and background make her an ideal fit for the game’s renewed emphasis on horror. “She’s introverted and easily scared, which introduces a fresh perspective to the Resident Evil series,” he said.

He further elaborated that the game’s narrative aims to mirror the player’s experience of horror: “We wanted a character who feels fear like the player does. Throughout the story, she learns to face her fears. Despite her vulnerability, she’s trained with firearms and uses her analytical skills to stay composed and make decisions.”

Fan Speculation and Evidence of Leon’s Possible Return

Earlier this month, Capcom released the first trailer for Requiem, showcasing Ashcroft and the familiar setting of Raccoon City. The trailer fueled further speculation among fans, who pointed out several clues hinting at Leon’s involvement. Notable among these was a shot of his old truck still parked outside the remains of the Raccoon City Police Department, suggesting he might still be part of the story in some capacity.

Capcom’s Explanation: Is Leon Out of the Picture?

In response to the ongoing rumors, Nakanishi clarified that while there was consideration to make Leon the protagonist, it ultimately proved challenging to fit him into a horror-focused narrative. “Leon wouldn’t react with fear to typical horror elements, like a falling bucket,” he explained. “He’s too experienced and combat-ready, which makes him less suitable for a game centered on suspense and vulnerability.”

Does this mean Capcom has definitively ruled out Leon’s involvement? Not entirely. Nakanishi emphasized that while Leon’s typical action-hero personality doesn’t align with the horror tone of Requiem, the door isn’t fully closed on his participation. The company seems to be leaving room for surprises as more details about the game are revealed.

Will Leon Make a Surprise Appearance?

Capcom’s decision to address Leon’s role during their presentation underscores how much fans are eager to see him in the game. With over six months remaining before Requiem’s release on February 27, 2026, across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and S, there’s still plenty of time for the publisher to introduce more action-heavy elements or even a hidden appearance by Leon.

The Balance Between Horror and Action

Recent entries in the Resident Evil series have experimented with balancing horror and action, sometimes with mixed results. Fans still hold a special place for Leon’s character, especially considering the popularity of Resident Evil 4’s high-octane gameplay. It’s possible Capcom is reserving certain moments—perhaps those more action-oriented—for later reveals, where Leon could fit naturally within the game’s evolving narrative. The upcoming months will likely shed more light on these possibilities.

Resident Evil Requiem is set to launch on February 27, 2026, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and S.

Alex "Pixel" Petrov

Gaming journalist & industry insider. Covers the latest game releases, updates, and behind-the-scenes dev stories. Knows every Easter egg, patch note, and upcoming title worth hyping. Always gaming, always analyzing.