Resident Evil Requiem, the ninth mainline Resident Evil title finally released on February 27th, 2026 after much anticipation. We’ve seen up to four trailers, various promotions with companies like Hamilton and Porsche, and unfortunately, spoilers from the deep, dark corners of the internet. No matter how you approach this game, it’s clear that CAPCOM has poured blood, sweat, and tears into Requiem as the franchise celebrates 30 years.

A standout feature of Requiem was the duality of a brand-new character and the return of a beloved veteran, Leon S. Kennedy. In the days leading to the games’ release, it was confirmed that Nick Apostolides will return to voice a much older Leon. I was fortunate enough to chat with Nick — an actor who has been known for not only great voice acting and performance capture but also known for embracing the fanbase. Everyone that I spoke to that met Nick always had something nice to say — that he is approachable, friendly, and a genuine fan of Resident Evil. And I agree.

Now, without further ado, here my interview with the wonderful Nick Apostolides:

Q: It’s official: you are reprising your role as Leon Kennedy in Resident Evil: Requiem. This time, Leon is much older. How does it feel to play as a series hero from his beginnings as a rookie cop in Resident Evil 2 Remake through weathered veteran in Requiem?
A: It’s not often an actor gets to follow (and pave) a character’s journey spanning three decades. This particular version was quite a jump from my last portrayal of a 29-yr old Leon in Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness. In Requiem, Leon is nearly 50 — I had to consider what he had been through in both my projects and other Resident Evil titles. The Resident Evil canon and lore run deep and is deeply loved by the fans. As a fan myself, my main goal was to respect the legacy and depth of the guy.

Q: While we are on that topic, what did you keep in mind when performing as an older Leon? How are you able to adapt and make believable changes?
A: I let the age live in the body a bit more. I let it affect speed, cadence, breath work, vocal resonance and layered on a general heightened effort. I fully embraced my own injuries on set (truth!). However, I kept it all subtle as Capcom did not want him to feel “too old”. He’s still Leon S. Kennedy — he’s still incredible capable and can still kick undead ass.

Q: Did you also provide the motion capture in Requiem as well? How was that experience?
A: I have provided full PCap (full Performance Capture) for Leon in RE2 Remake, RE4 Remake, Infinite Darkness and now RE9. It’s an absolute dream and a giant responsibility to breathe life into the character with both voice & physicality. I feel very connected in that way and have helped shape his personality, mannerisms, and overall movement.

Q: How long did the recording and PCap take?
A: Over the course of 18 months, the project probably recorded about 16-18 weeks’ worth of work (pcap, mocap, stunts and voice).

Q: Stunts?!? Well, that explains injuries on set! Now, how much of yourself do you put into the character compared to what is directed by Capcom (or whomever you reported to for direction)?
A: CAPCOM is very collaborative. I’ve known certain directors and producers for many years and have built such a trust. Even from the beginning with RE2 Remake, they always encouraged me to inject as much of “Nick” into Leon as possible for authenticity. I was reassured many times that I was cast because they saw in me the essence of a young Leon. I am completely honored to have shared ideas, thoughts, suggestions and questions over the years to truly shape my version of this legendary
protagonist. I’ll also have to give a BIG shout and tremendous love to my cinematic directors Steve Kniebihly, Tom Keegan, Eiichiro Hasumi and Kate Saxson who taught me, guided me, and allowed me to explore throughout the process.

Q: Without spoiling anything, what can fans expect from playing as Leon?
A: They can expect a familiarity regardless of which Resident Evil title introduced them to Leon. They can expect to feel the weight of his history and the purpose of his mission. His DNA runs true — it was a focus of mine. Oh, and then there’s the bone-crunching bad-assery…

Q: For those that have yet to play the game (or have it spoiled online!), what are you most excited for fans to experience/learn in Resident Evil Requiem?
A: Meeting a brand-new amazing protagonist Grace Ashcroft and returning to the iconic Raccoon City after 30 years.

Q: Yet again for those that have yet to play the game or had it spoiled, how do you feel Requiem compare to RE2 Remake and RE4 Remake?
A: I haven’t even played the game yet [at the time of this interview], so I cannot confirm, but as many of the early reviews have put it, it’s a perfect amalgamation of the two games and their respective styles of play — with some new fresh mechanics and secrets, of course!

Q: Porsche made a car just for Leon, right down to minute details. Did you get to see this car in person and drive it? How was the experience?
A: Did I see it…. Oh yeah, baby. Touched it. Sat in it. Filmed a promo in it. And drove the crap out of it. What a damn beauty. She purred and roared at the same time. I fell in love. Porsche absolutely nailed it, and the world will get to meet this girl soon… I’m excited to learn what future collabs we may see.

Author’s Note: The Porsche commercial since released. If you haven’t checked it out yet, you really should. While I could never afford a Porsche, it’s a neat commercial:

Q: Personally, which Resident Evil game would you want remade next?  
A: I honestly think Resident Evil: Code Veronica would be the most interesting modern re-telling. It was a wild story back in the early 2000’s, and CAPCOM would simply cook with a new version in the RE Engine.

Q: What is your personal favorite Resident Evil game?
A: Resident Evil 4 (2005). I was already years into my love affair with the series, but I got to introduce my little nine-year-old brother to the franchise with this title, and it’s created a very special bond and memory.

Once again, a huge thanks to Nick for his time and insight into his journey portraying our beloved Leon Kennedy!

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