SDCC 2026: Zach Cregger, Goldstein & Daley Talk Resident Evil, Star Trek and Filmmaking

While Hall H is traditionally associated with blockbuster reveals, franchise announcements and thunderous standing ovations, one of the most insightful events of San Diego Comic-Con 2026 proved that filmmaking itself can be just as captivating as any exclusive trailer. Collider's annual Directors on Directing panel, moderated by Steven Weintraub, brought together three of Hollywood's most exciting contemporary filmmakers—Zach Cregger, Jonathan Goldstein, and John Francis Daley—for an hour-long discussion dedicated not to marketing, but to the creative process behind modern cinema. Held on Thursday, July 23, inside the legendary Hall H of the San Diego Convention Center, the session stood apart from many of the convention's franchise-heavy presentations by focusing on storytelling, collaboration and the artistic choices that shape today's biggest films. The panel had been announced weeks before Comic-Con as one of Collider's flagship events, promising behind-the-scenes insights and at least one surprise for attendees, expectations that were ultimately exceeded.

Rather than opening with footage or major announcements, Steven Weintraub immediately steered the conversation toward the directors' respective creative journeys. The moderator, whose annual conversations have become a Comic-Con tradition, encouraged each filmmaker to explain not simply what they were making next, but why they approached filmmaking the way they do. This tone transformed what could have been a promotional event into a genuine masterclass in directing. The audience responded enthusiastically, applauding discussions about script development, production challenges and collaboration as much as they later would exclusive footage. It was a reminder that behind every successful blockbuster lies years of creative experimentation, difficult decisions and an unwavering commitment to storytelling.

Zach Cregger on Resident Evil and Weapons

The spotlight naturally fell first on Zach Cregger, whose remarkable evolution over the past few years has made him one of Hollywood's most closely watched filmmakers. Having first gained recognition through the comedy troupe The Whitest Kids U' Know, Cregger surprised audiences worldwide when he reinvented himself as one of modern horror's most original voices with Barbarian. That unexpected critical and commercial success fundamentally changed the trajectory of his career, allowing him to pursue increasingly ambitious projects. During the discussion, he explained that each new production represents an opportunity to challenge himself rather than repeat familiar formulas. Instead of chasing bigger spectacles simply because studios now trust him with larger budgets, he emphasized that emotional engagement remains the foundation of effective horror. Audiences, he argued, can only truly experience fear when they have first developed empathy for the characters placed in danger. This philosophy has become one of the defining characteristics of his filmmaking and continues to distinguish his work from many contemporary genre productions.

That creative philosophy naturally led the discussion toward Weapons, which Cregger described as the most ambitious project of his career to date. Rather than presenting the film merely as a larger-scale follow-up to Barbarian, he explained that the production allowed him to push every aspect of his filmmaking further, from the emotional complexity of the characters to the technical execution of suspense sequences. Throughout the conversation, he repeatedly stressed that horror should never exist solely for the sake of shocking audiences. Instead, tension must emerge organically from believable situations, carefully controlled pacing and characters whose emotional journeys matter just as much as the scares surrounding them. This emphasis on atmosphere over spectacle became one of the panel's recurring themes and resonated strongly with an audience eager to hear filmmakers discuss craft rather than marketing strategies.

One particularly fascinating aspect of the discussion concerned practical filmmaking techniques. Cregger reflected on the balance between practical effects and digital technology, explaining that physical effects frequently create stronger performances because actors can react to tangible elements rather than imaginary ones. While modern visual effects remain invaluable tools, he believes they should support storytelling rather than dominate it. That philosophy extends beyond horror, touching on editing, cinematography and sound design, all of which he described as equally essential in building suspense. According to Cregger, editing often becomes the final stage of writing a movie, where rhythm and emotional emphasis can completely reshape a scene after principal photography has ended. It was one of several observations that transformed the panel into an educational experience for aspiring filmmakers in attendance.

Although much of the conversation revolved around creative methodology, the audience was understandably eager to hear about Resident Evil, one of the industry's most anticipated upcoming horror adaptations. Without revealing plot details, Cregger reaffirmed his commitment to respecting the atmosphere that made Capcom's legendary video game franchise so influential. Rather than attempting to transform the property into another large-scale action spectacle, he explained that his objective is to recreate the constant tension, vulnerability and survival-horror experience that defined the earliest games. The filmmaker deliberately avoided discussing story specifics, but his comments reinforced previous statements that his adaptation would prioritize dread and atmosphere above explosive action. Those remarks generated one of the loudest audience reactions of the afternoon, demonstrating just how high expectations have become for the project.

Jonathan Goldstein & John Francis Daley Discuss Star Trek

The conversation then shifted toward another of the panel's most anticipated subjects: the long-standing creative partnership between Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley. Few writing and directing teams in Hollywood have demonstrated such remarkable versatility over the past decade, successfully moving between broad comedy, superhero blockbusters, fantasy adventures and high-concept action films without ever losing their distinctive voice. From Vacation and Game Night to Spider-Man: Homecoming and Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, the duo has consistently demonstrated an ability to blend sharp humor with genuine emotional investment. During the Hall H discussion, they explained that this flexibility has never been the result of strategic career planning. Instead, every project begins with a simple question: would they genuinely enjoy watching the movie themselves? That philosophy has allowed them to move comfortably between genres while maintaining a consistent approach centered on character-driven storytelling.

One of the most revealing moments came when Jonathan Goldstein described how their collaboration has evolved over the years. Having written together for decades, the pair have reached a point where disagreements are no longer obstacles but an essential part of their creative process. Every idea is challenged, every sequence questioned and every joke tested before a screenplay reaches production. Rather than avoiding conflict, they actively encourage it, believing that the strongest concepts inevitably survive rigorous debate. John Francis Daley added that working with someone who is willing to criticize every creative decision ultimately produces stronger films than surrounding oneself with collaborators who simply agree. The audience responded warmly to this honest description of the realities behind successful creative partnerships, a refreshing contrast to the often-romanticized image of Hollywood filmmaking.

That philosophy extends well beyond writing. Both filmmakers explained that directing is a continuous process of adaptation rather than strict adherence to a screenplay. Extensive preparation remains essential, but they deliberately leave room for actors to discover unexpected emotional moments or humorous exchanges during production. Improvisation, however, is never encouraged simply for the sake of spontaneity. Instead, it must always serve the story and remain faithful to the characters established on the page. This balance between preparation and flexibility has become one of the defining characteristics of their work, particularly in films such as Game Night, where rapid-fire comedy exists alongside genuine suspense and emotional stakes.

The discussion naturally turned toward genre filmmaking, an area in which Goldstein and Daley have repeatedly excelled. Reflecting on projects such as Game Night and Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, they explained that humor works most effectively when characters themselves never acknowledge how absurd their situations may appear. Instead of treating comedic moments as punchlines, the directors encourage actors to react sincerely to extraordinary circumstances. This commitment to emotional authenticity allows comedy to emerge organically, making both the jokes and dramatic moments significantly more effective. It is an approach that has helped distinguish their films from many contemporary studio productions that rely heavily on self-aware dialogue and constant references to popular culture.

Beyond discussing previous successes, the pair also offered an eagerly awaited update on one of Hollywood's most closely watched franchise projects: the next Star Trek feature film. While careful not to reveal specific story details, they confirmed that work on the screenplay is actively underway. Perhaps more significantly, they explained that the project is designed to introduce an entirely new generation of characters rather than relying on familiar legacy figures. By setting the story further into the future than previous installments, the filmmakers hope to provide audiences with a fresh starting point while remaining faithful to the optimistic spirit that has defined the franchise for decades. The announcement was met with enthusiastic applause inside Hall H and immediately became one of the convention's most widely discussed revelations. Reports following the panel confirmed that the new film is intended as a significant creative reset for the long-running science-fiction universe. (Collider)

The directors also briefly discussed Mayday, their upcoming Apple Original Films action-adventure starring Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh. Although they deliberately avoided revealing plot details or exclusive footage, both filmmakers described the production as another opportunity to combine large-scale spectacle with character-focused storytelling. They explained that regardless of budget or genre, they approach every project with the same fundamental objective: ensuring audiences remain emotionally invested in the characters before being impressed by visual spectacle. That recurring emphasis on storytelling over scale echoed comments made earlier by Zach Cregger, reinforcing one of the central themes that connected all three filmmakers despite their very different cinematic backgrounds.

Collider's Directors on Directing Panel at SDCC 2026

As the conversation continued, Steven Weintraub encouraged the panelists to compare their respective creative methods. While each director acknowledged having developed distinct personal habits, surprising similarities quickly emerged. All three emphasized the importance of refining scripts extensively before cameras begin rolling, believing that strong preparation provides the flexibility required once production inevitably presents unexpected challenges. Editing was repeatedly described as one of the most critical stages of filmmaking, with all participants agreeing that the final rhythm of a movie often emerges only in the editing room. Likewise, each filmmaker stressed that instinct frequently proves more valuable than attempting to predict audience expectations, arguing that authentic creative decisions resonate more strongly than choices designed purely to satisfy market trends.

The audience question-and-answer session further reinforced the educational nature of the panel. Attendees asked about the filmmakers who had most influenced their directing styles, how they navigate studio expectations while protecting their creative vision, and whether Zach Cregger, Jonathan Goldstein, and John Francis Daley might one day collaborate on the same feature film. The directors responded with characteristic humor, joking that such a project would likely become an unpredictable blend of horror, action and comedy. While no concrete plans were announced, the exchange highlighted the mutual respect shared between the filmmakers and became one of the afternoon's most entertaining moments, earning sustained laughter throughout Hall H.

While the panel largely focused on the craft of filmmaking, Hall H still delivered the kind of unforgettable Comic-Con moment that attendees had been hoping for. Near the end of the discussion, the audience was treated to an unexpected surprise when Johnny Depp made an unannounced appearance entirely in character as Ebenezer Scrooge. Remaining fully committed to the role, the actor introduced the very first trailer for Ebenezer, his upcoming holiday-themed feature. The surprise appearance instantly transformed the atmosphere inside Hall H, drawing one of the loudest ovations of the afternoon and generating an immediate wave of reactions across social media. Although unrelated to the filmmakers' ongoing discussion, the cameo perfectly illustrated Comic-Con's unique ability to combine thoughtful industry conversations with spectacular live surprises. Rather than overshadowing the panel itself, the moment served as an entertaining finale to an event already rich in creative insights. Industry coverage following the presentation confirmed that Depp's appearance had been intentionally kept secret until the very last moment, making it one of the convention's most talked-about surprises. (TheWrap)

Before bringing the discussion to a close, Zach Cregger offered attendees one final exclusive look at his highly anticipated Resident Evil reboot. Rather than unveiling an effects-heavy montage designed solely to impress audiences, the footage showcased the tone that the filmmaker has repeatedly promised throughout production. The sequence featured Austin Abrams fleeing through a snow-covered landscape while desperately trying to survive an encounter with one of the franchise's infected creatures. The clip balanced raw terror with moments of dark humor, reflecting the tonal mixture that has become one of Cregger's trademarks since Barbarian. During the discussion, the filmmaker also shared a memorable behind-the-scenes anecdote involving the practical production of the sequence, recalling how large blood-filled stunt dummies weighing approximately 150 pounds were repeatedly dropped only inches away from Abrams during filming. With characteristic humor, Cregger joked that had the actor been standing slightly closer, the scene could have ended very differently. The story drew laughter from the audience while simultaneously illustrating the physical challenges involved in producing convincing practical horror effects. (GamesRadar+)

The exclusive footage reinforced what had become one of the afternoon's central messages. Rather than pursuing increasingly explosive action sequences, Zach Cregger is determined to return Resident Evil to its survival-horror roots. Throughout the discussion he repeatedly emphasized atmosphere, vulnerability and emotional investment over spectacle, echoing the design philosophy that made Capcom's original games worldwide successes. For longtime fans of the franchise, this commitment represented perhaps the most reassuring update yet on the project's creative direction. Instead of attempting to replicate previous cinematic adaptations, Cregger appears focused on capturing the constant tension, uncertainty and psychological dread that defined the earliest entries in the legendary video game series.

As the session drew to a close, moderator Steven Weintraub invited each filmmaker to reflect on what continues to motivate them after years working within an industry increasingly dominated by established intellectual properties and franchise filmmaking. Although their careers have followed remarkably different paths, the answers shared a strikingly similar philosophy. Jonathan Goldstein, John Francis Daley, and Zach Cregger all stressed that compelling characters remain the foundation of memorable cinema regardless of budget, genre or visual scale. Technology continues to evolve, audience expectations constantly change, and production methods become increasingly sophisticated, yet the emotional connection between viewers and characters remains the essential ingredient that ultimately determines whether a film succeeds.

That shared philosophy ultimately defined the entire Directors on Directing panel. Unlike Hall H presentations built primarily around exclusive footage, celebrity appearances or major franchise announcements, Collider's annual discussion once again celebrated the people responsible for creating the films themselves. Rather than focusing exclusively on marketing upcoming releases, the conversation explored screenwriting, directing, collaboration, editing, practical filmmaking and the difficult creative decisions that rarely receive public attention. For aspiring filmmakers attending Comic-Con, the session provided invaluable insight into the realities of modern filmmaking. For longtime movie enthusiasts, it offered something equally rewarding: the opportunity to hear accomplished directors speak openly about both their successes and the countless creative challenges hidden behind every finished production.

Why This Hall H Panel Was One of Comic-Con's Highlights

The panel also demonstrated the remarkable diversity of contemporary Hollywood filmmaking. Zach Cregger has emerged as one of horror's most exciting new voices by combining unsettling suspense with deeply human storytelling. Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley continue to redefine blockbuster entertainment by blending comedy, adventure and emotional sincerity in ways that consistently surprise audiences. Despite working across very different genres, all three filmmakers share a commitment to treating audiences with intelligence and respect, refusing to rely solely on visual spectacle when carefully constructed storytelling can achieve far greater emotional impact.

In many ways, this year's Directors on Directing conversation perfectly encapsulated what makes San Diego Comic-Con unique. Amid the excitement surrounding superhero universes, exclusive trailers and blockbuster franchises, the convention still creates space for thoughtful discussions celebrating the art of filmmaking itself. The enthusiastic response inside Hall H confirmed that audiences remain deeply interested not only in what Hollywood is producing, but also in understanding how those films come to life. Whether discussing the emotional foundations of horror, the collaborative dynamics of long-term creative partnerships or the delicate balance between artistic ambition and commercial filmmaking, Steven Weintraub, Zach Cregger, Jonathan Goldstein, and John Francis Daley delivered one of the convention's most engaging and intellectually rewarding panels.

As attendees left Hall H, they carried with them far more than memories of exclusive footage or surprise celebrity appearances. They had witnessed an honest conversation between filmmakers passionate about their craft, united by a belief that the strongest stories are ultimately built not on visual effects or franchise recognition, but on memorable characters, carefully developed scripts and the courage to trust creative instinct. In a convention renowned for spectacle, that celebration of filmmaking itself proved to be one of San Diego Comic-Con 2026's greatest highlights.

Collider Directors on Directing Panel – San Diego Comic-Con 2026
Where: Hall H, San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, California, USA.
When: Thursday, July 23, 2026, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. (PDT), during San Diego Comic-Con 2026.

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Photos and video 4K :  Boris Colletier / Mulderville