A Resident Evil 5 Remake Could Find an Unexpected Predecessor in Requiem

Resident Evil Requiem is set to be the ninth mainline chapter in Capcom’s horror franchise, and it’s once again shaking up the series with a brand-new protagonist. The first trailer for Resident Evil Requiem is already promising a bold departure, as FBI analyst Grace Ashcroft investigates a murder at the mysterious Wrenwood Hotel, teasing a more psychologically-charged experience over action.

While Grace seems to be the main character of the story, there are already rumors that she isn’t the only protagonist planned. Leading up to the reveal of the first trailer, there were plenty of rumors and leaks suggesting that Leon S. Kennedy could return. Of course, all leaks should be taken with a grain of salt, but if he really does return as a second playable character, Requiem could be the testing ground for a remake of Resident Evil 5 and its co-op.

Resident Evil Requiem Psychological Horror New Ground

Resident Evil Requiem is Finally Diving into Uncharted Territory for the Franchise

With the next Resident Evil title revealed, RE Requiem looks to be exploring some horror ground that the series hasn’t truly delved into yet.

If Resident Evil Requiem Goes the Dual-Protagonist Route, it Could Bring Back RE5’s Co-Op Mechanics

RE5‘s campaign supports both local and online co-op.
The first player controls Chris Redfield, while the second controls Sheva Alomar.

RE5 is a standout entry in the series for several reasons. From the game’s setting in the fictional African region of Kijuju to Jill Valentine being under Albert Wesker’s mind control, the chapter takes interesting turns that are worthy of revisiting with a remake. One of the best aspects about the game, though, is that it can be played entirely in co-op. With two players, Chris and Sheva are able to fight their way through infected as they investigate the newest bioterrorism threat.

RE Requiem launches February 27, 2026.

Leon Potentially Being Part of Requiem’s Story Would Open the Door for Co-Op

Right now, there isn’t much known about Grace Ashcroft. On June 26, Capcom is hosting a showcase that features many of its biggest franchises, and Resident Evil is expected to appeare. It’s unclear if Capcom will reveal more about Grace at this event, but there will hopefully be a little bit more insight given into what kind of role she plays in the story. At first glance, she seems to have a far gentler personality than one would expect from someone who has been tasked with investigating a murder, but there may be a grittier character lying beneath the surface.

If that’s the case, Grace and Leon could potentially be a mirror image of Chris and Sheva, with Grace being the second playable character, if Leon is revealed to be the secret main protagonist. Even more intriguing, though, is that it could also give Capcom fresh feedback regarding a co-op campaign. If Requiem can balance co-op well and fans like it, then it could be the reassurance Capcom needs to bring an RE5 remake to life.

Grace Ashcroft is the daughter of Raccoon City investigative reporter Alyssa Ashcroft, who appeared in RE Outbreak. She was also murdered at the Wrenwood Hotel eight years prior to Requiem‘s story.

An RE5 Remake Needs to Make Co-Op a Priority

RE5 was the first game in the series that was designed with a co-op campaign in mind. It’s a central part of its identity, so leaving co-op out of an RE5 remake would be incredibly jarring. It may be uncertain whether Requiem has two protagonists or not, but RE5 would be a strong blueprint for adapting two main characters. There’s always the possibility that Requiem could go the route of past Resident Evil games with two leads and just swap between them, but taking the RE5 approach may be the stronger choice, as it would shake up expectations.

It may be a while before Resident Evil fans get an RE5 remake, but if that day ever comes, it would seem wrong to leave co-op out of the experience. As of now, Requiem waits on the horizon, and it will be thrilling to see how the game approaches its main character (or characters).