Capcom's Bold Decision: Leon S. Kennedy as a 'Bad Match for Horror'?

Capcom has stirred the pot with their latest announcement, declaring that fan-favorite Leon S. Kennedy is a "bad match for horror" in light of swirling speculation about his potential return as a hidden protagonist in the upcoming Resident Evil Requiem.

During the recent Capcom Spotlight 2025 broadcast, fans were left with more questions than answers. Leon didn't make an appearance, but the game’s director, Koshi Nakanishi, felt compelled to clarify his absence.

Meet Grace Ashcroft: The New Face of Horror

Nakanishi introduced the new protagonist, Grace Ashcroft, an FBI intelligence analyst characterized by her introverted nature and fearful disposition. "We wanted someone that experiences horror from the same perspective as the player," he explained, hinting at a deeper emotional engagement with the game's chilling themes. Grace's development throughout the story, paired with her analytical skills, offers a fresh perspective in the series.

Speculations and Clues: Is Leon Still in the Game?

Despite Grace taking center stage, fans remain convinced that Leon could still make a surprise comeback. Observations from the trailer revealed clues, such as Leon's iconic truck parked ominously outside the ruins of the Raccoon City Police Department, fueling speculation.

Capcom Addresses Leon's Absence: A Political Move?

Director Nakanishi candidly acknowledged, "We always thought about making Leon the protagonist, but he wouldn't jump at a bucket falling. No one wants to see Leon scared by every little thing." This statement seems to solidify the idea that Z is simply not suited for the horror-centric narrative of Requiem, yet leaves the door ever so slightly ajar for his possible inclusion.

What Lies Ahead for Resident Evil Requiem?

Even as Capcom appears to rule Leon out as the main character, they clearly recognize the significance of his presence in the series. With over six months until the game's launch on February 27, 2026, fans are left wondering if there might be action-packed sequences that could redefine Leon's place in the game.

As the Resident Evil series has shifted between horror and action elements with varying success, the legacy of action-heavy titles like Resident Evil 4 still lingers. Could Capcom be holding back thrilling revelations for the final countdown? Only time will tell!