Resident Evil Requiem has finally shambled into the spotlight, and with it comes a fresh face: Grace Ashcroft, the new protagonist set to carry the survival horror legacy forward. Fans are excitedly buzzing over the game’s chilling atmosphere, visuals, and bold direction.
But even with the promise of new blood, there’s one thing long-time fans aren’t quite ready to do: say goodbye to Leon S. Kennedy. The beloved RPD officer has become synonymous with the series, and many aren’t convinced he’s truly out of the picture just yet.
A new Ashcroft rises in Resident Evil Requiem, but the Kennedy shadow looms
Capcom’s reveal (via Neon Slice) of Resident Evil Requiem introduces players to Grace Ashcroft, a determined FBI agent and daughter of Alyssa Ashcroft from Resident Evil Outbreak. The decision to center the game around Grace feels like a symbolic passing of the torch.
Not only does she bring fresh perspective and ties to classic lore, but she represents a step into uncharted territory for the franchise, a new hero for a new era of horror. Her background and personality already hint at depth.
However, fans are cautiously optimistic she’ll carry the series with her own blend of grit and vulnerability. Still, Leon Kennedy’s absence is deafening. After decades of dodging zombies and biochemical chaos, Leon has earned his spot as a cornerstone of the franchise.
From the police station corridors of RE2 to the action-packed set pieces of RE4, Leon is more than a character; he’s the face of the series for many. And while Grace may be the future, it’s clear the shadow of Leon’s legacy still looms large over Requiem’s debut.
Many fans aren’t ready to believe he’s truly gone, and speculation is still running wild. Theories are everywhere that Leon will make a surprise appearance later in the game, possibly as a secondary playable character or post-prologue twist. Capcom’s silence (about Leon) has only fueled the fire.
Saying goodbye to a legend, or just “See You Later”?
For many Resident Evil fans, Leon Kennedy is irreplaceable. His perfect mix of stoic badassery, sarcastic wit, and emotional depth has made him a fan favorite for over two decades. That’s why transitioning to a new main character, no matter how compelling, is never easy.
This isn’t unique to Resident Evil. We’ve seen similar growing pains with franchises like The Witcher, where Siri is taking up the mantle, or Ghost of Tsushima, where fans wondered how Atsu could follow in Jin Sakai’s footsteps.
Change, even when necessary, often comes with resistance. It’s hard to imagine the Resident Evil universe without Leon kicking down doors and cracking dry one-liners. But while fans might feel nervous, it’s also possible this is Capcom playing the long game.
Could Leon return mid-game in a surprise twist? Is Grace just the first chapter of a dual-protagonist story? Capcom has a history of big reveals, so anything’s possible.
Until then, all eyes are on Grace Ashcroft and whether she can survive not just the horrors ahead, but the expectations that come with filling some very large RPD boots.
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