What if the godfather of zombie cinema had tackled one of gaming’s most iconic horror franchises? It’s a question that’s haunted fans for decades, and while George A. Romero’s Resident Evil film never materialized, a fascinating relic of this 'what-if' scenario exists: a 1997 Japanese TV commercial for Resident Evil 2 directed by Romero himself. Now, a new book, On the Set of Resident Evil 2: The TV Commercial, promises to pull back the curtain on this cult classic, and personally, I think it’s about time.
A Collision of Legends
What makes this commercial so intriguing isn’t just Romero’s involvement—it’s the collision of two cultural juggernauts at their peak. Romero, the mastermind behind Night of the Living Dead, was already a horror icon by the ’90s, while Resident Evil was poised to redefine survival horror gaming. This wasn’t just a marketing gimmick; it was a meeting of minds that could have reshaped the franchise’s trajectory.
From my perspective, the commercial’s significance lies in its brevity and ambition. In just a few minutes, Romero distilled the game’s essence—its tension, its dread, its relentless zombies—into a live-action format. It’s a testament to his skill that this ad still resonates today, even as the Resident Evil films took a very different path under Paul W.S. Anderson.
Behind the Scenes: Chaos and Artistry
The book, penned by Romero historian Norman England, promises an unfiltered look at the commercial’s creation. England’s firsthand account, drawn from journal entries and set observations, paints a picture of creative chaos. Actor Brad Renfro, then a rising star, added a layer of raw energy to the production. What many people don’t realize is that these behind-the-scenes stories often reveal more about a project’s soul than the final product itself.
One thing that immediately stands out is the book’s format. It’s not just a narrative—it’s a visual archive. With nearly 200 set photos, production documents, and vintage press clippings, it’s a time capsule for both horror and gaming enthusiasts. If you take a step back and think about it, this isn’t just a book about a commercial; it’s a document of a cultural moment when two mediums were still figuring out how to intersect.
Why This Matters Beyond Nostalgia
This raises a deeper question: Why does a 25-year-old ad for a video game warrant a 258-page book? In my opinion, it’s because this commercial represents a missed opportunity—a glimpse of what Resident Evil could have been under Romero’s direction. It’s also a reminder of how marketing has evolved. In the ’90s, hiring a legendary director for a game ad was bold; today, it’s almost expected.
A detail that I find especially interesting is the inclusion of interviews with key players like Romero, Renfro, and editor Pat Buba. These perspectives add layers of context, revealing the challenges and triumphs of bringing a video game to life in live-action. What this really suggests is that even in the world of advertising, artistry and vision can leave a lasting impact.
The Broader Implications
If you’re like me, you’ll see this book as more than a nostalgia trip. It’s a case study in creative collaboration, a reminder of how different industries can inspire each other. It also highlights the enduring appeal of Resident Evil as a franchise that transcends its medium. Whether you’re a horror buff, a gamer, or just a fan of storytelling, there’s something here to appreciate.
What makes this particularly fascinating is how it connects to larger trends. In an era where games are increasingly cinematic, and films are borrowing from gaming narratives, this commercial feels like a precursor. It’s a bridge between two worlds that were just beginning to converge.
Final Thoughts
Will I be adding this book to my collection? Absolutely. But more than that, I’m excited to see how it sparks conversations about what could have been—and what still might be possible when visionary creators tackle new mediums. This isn’t just a book about a commercial; it’s a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and the enduring power of 'what if.'
If you take a step back and think about it, that’s what makes this story so compelling. It’s not just about zombies or video games—it’s about the magic that happens when two worlds collide.
