Who would’ve thought that the “Resident Evil” film would’ve lasted as long as it did? Back in 2002, the first “Resident Evil” hit theaters, and was a critical bomb. The flick was blasted as a formulaic and cheesy waste of time (though I’d argue the laser corridor scene is still one of the most exciting things to hit the silver screen). But despite the negative buzz from critics, the film managed to haul in a substantial $100 million plus at the box office, which wasn’t bad, given its $33 million budget. Although the movie resembled its source material in almost no way, moviegoers seemed to really enjoy the tone and heart-pounding action. Thus began perhaps the most successful video game franchise to date.

Like the zombies themselves, this is one franchise that refuses to die. After three of the “Resident Evil” movies, I personally had my fill of the property. Yet, every couple years, without fail, there would be a new one hitting theaters. I was surprised every single time. Was it doing so well that the studio felt the need to keep on churning them out? With the combined sales of both domestic and foreign box office, apparently so. None of the movies were made for more than $65 million, and they were guaranteed to bring in a couple hundred million dollars apiece. By the time “Resident Evil: Retribution” hit theaters in 2012, I was pretty much convinced that this series would continue on forever. And why should it die? Despite being marketed as sort of a dumb action-fest, it makes back its money in spades, and the target audience really seems to enjoy it.

But now the little engine that could seems to be approaching its final destination with “Resident Evil 6,” IGN reports. In an interview with Ali Larter, who plays Claire Redfield in “Resident Evil: Extinction” and “Resident Evil: Afterlife,” the outlet asks the actress flat-out if the film subtitled “The Final Chapter” will actually be the final chapter of the franchise.

“I know it is,” was Larter’s blunt response.

It’ll undoubtedly be the end of an era, but Larter was quick to mention that this is by no means a bad thing.

“How many movies have this kind of fanbase and get to be made six times? I think that’s extraordinary. It’s a total testament to [series star] Milla [Jovovich] and Paul [W.S. Anderson]. I’m so grateful to them, that they chose me to be a part of it halfway through, and they’ve kept me along for the ride. I love that it’s not seven men and one woman. I mean, these are two women, and they’re not competing with each other. You know, there are such easy clichés these two could fall into, but this is definitely a female power movie.”

As far as what we can expect to see in the long-awaited conclusion to the series, Larter was more tightlipped. 

“We are not allowed to say one thing. I am held to secrecy, but what I can tell you is that the script is amazing. They’re really wrapping up the whole series, so that just makes it a little more poignant. To be able to come back and reprise my role as Claire and my relationship with Alice, with Umbrella Corp. — you know, I’m excited to get back in it. I think the fans are just going to be beyond excited.”

Are you excited or sad to see this franchise end? If you didn’t make it this far into the series, at which movie did you jump the wagon? Let us know in the comments down below!

“Resident Evil: The Final Chapter” is set for a January 27, 2017 release date.

SOURCE: IGN