Austin Abrams spills on the freezing stunt that made him tremble

**Austin Abrams Reflects on Harrowing Stunts and Avatar Role in Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil Adaptation**

Austin Abrams, the actor who carries the lead role in Zach Cregger’s newest theatrical adaptation of *Resident Evil*, opened up about the challenges he faced both on set and in character creation. The film, now in theaters, follows a team of survivors battling an outbreak in Raccoon City.

Abrams admits that his journey into this horror world began with little familiarity with the source material.

He told reporters that before stepping into the shoes of Brian, he had never played the *Resident Evil* video games or watched its film series. “Not that I was like an anti‑fan,” he said.

“The movies, I haven’t seen, and the games were something that just felt too frightening to engage with.” His experience with other horror titles like *Dead Space* only reinforced his perception of the genre’s intense impact.

During filming, Abrams described a stunt that “would’ve killed” him if it had gone wrong. He ran down a snow‑covered road while zombies leapt from rooftops and splattered on the pavement around him. “One, you don’t wanna fuck up the shot,” he explained.

“Also, you don’t wanna make a wrong move or something goes wrong.”

## Background & Context

Zach Cregger, who directed *Weapons* alongside Abrams, approached the new project as a reunion of creative minds. “It was awesome, man. In a lot of ways, it was really interesting because it kind of felt like we just picked up where we left off,” Abrams recalled.

He praised Cregger’s trust in him to helm the film’s central character.

The *Resident Evil* adaptation marks a departure for Abrams from his earlier horror work, which includes roles in *Tragedy Girls* and *Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark*. Despite his prior experience, he remained unaware of the franchise’s history.

“I’m just very grateful that he would trust me enough to handle this project,” he said, underscoring the significance of Cregger’s confidence.

Abrams’ familiarity with the horror genre grew during production. He noted that “the horror gaming genre really goddamn rocks your nervous system.” His previous work had prepared him for the physical demands of a film grounded in survival terror.

## On Set Experiences

The stunt involving falling zombies proved particularly perilous. Abrams said it was harrowing to run on a wet, snow‑laden surface while maintaining precise timing. “If you imagine yourself; I’m gonna run this way, and they’re gonna call action, and I need to do it at a certain pace,” he detailed.

The risk of slipping in sneakers with no grip added to the tension.

The practical set designers created a sewer environment that felt authentic. Abrams described a massive creature “really looked like a real, just humongous dude.” He highlighted that the scale of the monster “was crazy to look at” and noted it as one of his memorable on‑set moments.

When asked about other creatures, he mentioned a smaller, humorous monster later in the film. “It’s kind of hilarious and really kind of surprised me,” he said, reflecting on the of threats encountered during filming.

Abrams also compared his experience to scenes from *Whalefall*, which involved working in a small water tank. He said, “I mean working in water is pretty fun. A lot of Whalefall was working in like a small amount of water.” Yet he favored the snow aesthetic for its horror atmosphere.

“I love the aesthetic of a horror movie with snow, like The Shining,” he remarked.

## Character Development & Themes

Brian, the protagonist, is described by Cregger as kind of an avatar for him. Abrams explained that “you can’t play an avatar in terms of being a character.” He emphasized the importance of creating a tangible person with gravity. “There was definitely a process there of discovering that,” he said.

The actor also discussed Brian’s relationship with his girlfriend, noting that it influences his decisions. He said Brian faces a potential life change and is uncertain. “He learns that someone he really is in love with…he’s kind of faced with that and terrified of that,” Abrams said.

This personal struggle intersects with the broader horror narrative, illustrating how imminent danger forces introspection. Abrams said, “It puts everything into perspective. I think he gets kind of put into perspective and starts to realize, ‘What do I actually want?’”

Abrams’ own sense of humor also informs his portrayal of Brian. He mentioned infusing comedic timing into moments that could otherwise feel bleak. “I think I bring some humor,” he said, underscoring the balance between terror and levity in the film.

The horror gaming experience shaped his approach to the role. “I remember playing Dead Space, a very different game, but kind of a similar vibe…literally just panic playing the beginning of it,” he recalled. The intensity of those games “rocks your nervous system” until you get used to it.

## Conclusion

Austin Abrams’ candid reflections illuminate the physical and emotional demands of bringing a video‑game legend to the big screen. From harrowing stunts that tested his limits to crafting a relatable avatar in a bleak environment, Abrams navigated the challenges with confidence.

His collaboration with Zach Cregger continues to deepen, offering audiences a fresh, grounded take on the *Resident Evil* saga.