Uncovering Hidden Clues: Could Leon S. Kennedy Make a Surprise Appearance in Resident Evil Requiem?
While the initial promotional materials for Resident Evil Requiem seem to focus on a new protagonist, Grace Ashcroft, fans are buzzing with speculation that the game might secretly feature a familiar face — Leon S. Kennedy. Known for his iconic floppy hair and memorable appearances across the series, Leon’s potential return has become a hot topic among dedicated fans and leakers alike.
What the First Trailer Reveals About Raccoon City and Leon
The first trailer begins with an introduction to Grace Ashcroft, who appears to be the daughter of Alyssa Ashcroft from Resident Evil Outbreak. As it progresses, viewers are shown the devastated remains of Raccoon City, destroyed by a missile strike at the end of Resident Evil 3. This grim scene sets the tone for the game’s dark atmosphere.
Among the most intriguing visuals is the shot of the Raccoon City Police Department, a location heavily associated with Leon S. Kennedy. The police station looks battered and abandoned, but still recognizable — some fans even believe that Leon’s old Jeep is parked outside, hinting at his possible involvement in the storyline.
Hints Pointing to Leon’s Return
Fans have long speculated that Leon might be returning based on these visual clues. His history as a U.S. government agent, working closely with the president in Resident Evil 4 and Resident Evil 6, suggests he could be connected to Grace’s storyline. The presence of Ashcroft as a government operative adds weight to this theory, implying that Leon and Grace might have a shared past or could soon cross paths.
Interestingly, some viewers believe the trailer features a subtle nod to Leon through a line of dialogue at the 2:45 mark, where someone mentions investigating strange deaths. Many interpret this as spoken by Nick Apostolides, the actor who provides the voice and performance capture for Leon in recent titles like the Resident Evil 2 Remake, Infinite Darkness, and Resident Evil 4 Remake.
What the Actor’s Resume Suggests About Leon’s Involvement
Looking at Apostolides’ professional profile reveals even more clues. He lists a “AAA Video Game” project under NDA, with his role described as voice and performance capture — similar to his work on Leon. This has led fans to speculate that his involvement could mean Leon is a playable character or at least heavily featured in the game’s narrative.
Leaker Insights and the Future of Leon’s Story
Veteran Resident Evil leaker Dusk Golem has been vocal about his insights into Resident Evil Requiem. He claims that Leon is set to be the primary character, although fans might not see him immediately at the start. According to Golem, “Leon is the main character of RE9 Requiem. You won’t fully see him for a bit, but he’s in the trailer. In the final game, players will experience much more as Leon than Grace.”
Golem also suggests that Requiem will serve as the final chapter in Leon’s trilogy, completing his evolution from rookie cop to seasoned government agent, and now, to mentor figure for Grace. Fans are hopeful that this arc will give Leon a satisfying and meaningful conclusion after all he’s endured throughout the series.
Release Details and Anticipation
Resident Evil: Requiem was officially announced during Summer Game Fest 2025 and is scheduled for release on February 27, 2026. The game will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and S, promising to deliver a new chapter of survival horror to fans worldwide.