National CineMedia Closes $275 Million Deal to Expand to Offices
National CineMedia has finalized a $275 million deal to expand into office advertising, acquiring Captivate Holdings, which operates thousands of digital screens.
Austin Abrams praises director Zach Cregger for taking bold risks with the ending of the new 'Resident Evil' film, highlighting its emotional impact and authenticity.

Austin Abrams, the star of the new Resident Evil film, recently shared insights regarding the movie’s conclusion, which he describes as both "risky and gutsy." In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Abrams commended director Zach Cregger for courageously departing from typical horror conventions to deliver a more poignant narrative. Notably, he indicated that the ending of the film raises significant questions about character moralities and consequences, making it more impactful compared to conventional horror flicks. This discussion was published on September 21, 2026.
Abrams expressed surprise at the film’s climactic moments, emphasizing his admiration for Cregger's daring decisions. "I was surprised by it, but I also loved that he would take that chance," said Abrams. Many audience members may not expect a lead character to face dire consequences, adding to the emotional weight of the story. This perspective is particularly relevant in an era when cinematic trends often lean toward more comforting or predictable outcomes to mitigate viewer shock.
Abrams’ recent collaborations with Cregger have positioned him as a significant figure within the industry. Following a successful performance in Weapons, which earned him critical acclaim, his role in Resident Evil has generated buzz, resulting in the franchise’s highest-grossing opening weekend with $60 million. The actor is also gearing up for the release of Whalefall, set to debut on October 16. The dual roles showcase Abrams' range as an actor, transitioning from complex emotional narratives to thrilling survival scenarios.
Abrams elaborated on the emotional weight of his character’s arc, noting that the film explores profound themes of change and growth. The narrative is structured to parallel classic cinematic storytelling, where character shifts hinge on tough choices. Cregger’s approach offers a stark contrast to many modern films, which typically avoid harsher outcomes for protagonists, possibly leading to a more fulfilling experience for fans who appreciate deeper storytelling.
As Resident Evil unfolds, viewers navigate the perilous journey of Abrams’ character, Bryan. The narrative escalates through a series of challenges that lead to a tragic realization of his fate, prompting audiences to reflect on the emotional stakes involved. Abrams notes, "Whereas a lot of older films don’t do that; they just rip your heart out." He stresses that this emotional rawness in filmmaking reflects a commitment to authenticity. Surprisingly, these elements are often absent in many contemporary horror films, making Resident Evil a refreshing venture for fans looking for a meaningful watching experience.
Austin Abrams’ reflections underscore the significance of taking narrative risks in filmmaking, especially in genres that have become formulaic. The bold choices made by director Zach Cregger in Resident Evil not only set the film apart but may also influence how future horror films navigate character arcs and viewer expectations. The film invites audiences to ponder the intricacies of its story and the emotional rollercoaster it presents; now playing in theaters nationwide.
For more behind-the-scenes insights, check out our coverage on Patrick Clancy's recent interview and Taylor Frankie Paul's exit from reality TV.
Entertainment news
EpisodeBreakdown may use automated tools to assist research, drafting, and formatting. Published pages are governed by our editorial and corrections policies, and source links are shown when they are available in the article record.
Discovery source: The Hollywood Reporter. The source identifies where the topic was discovered; EpisodeBreakdown is responsible for the commentary published on this page.
Reader response
Reactions and poll results are based on real reader responses. No account is required.