The Resident Evil franchise has long been a pillar of the survival horror genre, and with Capcom’s official confirmation in July 2024 that Resident Evil 9 is in development, the countdown has begun for what could be the most ambitious entry in the series yet. Following the critically acclaimed Resident Evil Village and the commercial juggernaut of the Resident Evil 4 remake—which has now surpassed 10 million units sold—Resident Evil 9 enters the spotlight shrouded in secrecy, rumor, and feverish fan speculation. But there are growing signs that Capcom is preparing something game-changing.
A Silent Announcement That Spoke Volumes
Capcom’s July 2024 confirmation of Resident Evil 9 was minimal—there was no title, no logo, no teaser. Yet it was enough to ignite a wave of excitement. The franchise’s history shows that Capcom thrives on suspense, often letting rumors do the promotional work before a full reveal. That strategy has worked well in the past and seems to be unfolding again, especially after a cryptic moment in April 2025.
In a thank-you video commemorating 10 million RE4 remake sales, a wooden sign with “Glory to the Players” appeared onscreen. Fans quickly noticed that, when rotated 90 degrees, the plank forms a clear Roman numeral “IX.” It was a subtle but deliberate wink—a classic Capcom move, stoking the fires without giving anything away.
Rumors Gaining Credibility: What We (Might) Know About Resident Evil 9
While Capcom remains tight-lipped, insiders, leakers, and pattern-watchers have pieced together what may be the backbone of Resident Evil 9. These are the most compelling—and recurring—rumors with enough weight to warrant attention:
📆 Release Window: 2025 or 2026?
The most consistent timeline floating around the industry points to a release in late 2025, although trusted insider Dusk Golem has hinted it could slip into 2026. That would align with Capcom’s traditional two-to-three-year cadence between mainline Resident Evil titles and the reported scale of development.
👥 Dual Protagonists: Leon and Jill Team-Up
Arguably the most tantalizing rumor is the playable pairing of Leon S. Kennedy and Jill Valentine in a mainline game for the first time. This has fans theorizing about a dual-perspective campaign, with missions split between the two or allowing players to switch viewpoints. There’s also chatter about cameos or support from Chris Redfield, Barry Burton, and Rebecca Chambers—possibly turning Resident Evil 9 into an Avengers-style crossover of survival horror legends.
🌴 A Southeast Asian Setting
Multiple sources suggest the game will leave behind the European villages and American cities in favor of a Southeast Asian-inspired setting—possibly modeled after rural or jungle-covered islands near Singapore or Indonesia. If true, the biome alone offers fertile ground for atmospheric horror, from shadow-drenched temples to foggy river deltas. And the shift in geography opens the door to bioweapons inspired by local mythology and native species, which could make for an exotic new class of enemies.
🔄 A Reinvention of the Franchise Formula
Capcom has never been afraid to reinvent Resident Evil. Resident Evil 4 flipped the script with over-the-shoulder shooting, while RE7 shifted to first-person. Now, RE9 may push into semi-open world or open-zone territory. This wouldn’t be a full sandbox, but rather large, interconnected areas similar to The Evil Within 2 or RE Village‘s village hub system—designed for exploration while still delivering handcrafted scares.
🧠 Intelligent Enemies and “Mr. Simon”
Combat could also evolve. Several leaks mention smarter enemies capable of wielding weapons and coordinating attacks, similar to the Ganados in RE4 or the molded in RE7. One potential new villain—codenamed “Mr. Simon”—is said to be connected to “The Connections,” the shadowy group first mentioned in RE7. If true, this could bridge several recent entries into a unified story arc while allowing for more unpredictable horror elements, including the supernatural.
🛠️ REX Engine in the Works?
To support this expansive vision, Capcom may be internally testing an upgraded engine referred to as “REX”—a successor to the acclaimed RE Engine. While unconfirmed, this new tech could be necessary for delivering larger zones, better AI behavior, and real-time environmental storytelling without compromising performance.
Franchise Momentum: Past Success Fueling Future Hype
Resident Evil 9 isn’t just riding on anticipation—it’s backed by a franchise at the peak of its powers:
- Resident Evil 4 Remake is the fastest-selling entry in series history.
- Remakes of RE5 and Code Veronica are reportedly in the pipeline, with Code Veronica especially requested by longtime fans.
- A new Resident Evil movie reboot is also underway, rumored to take a darker, more faithful tone compared to earlier film adaptations.
This surge of activity reinforces Capcom’s strategy: keep the brand hot, satisfy nostalgia, and innovate with each new mainline game.
A Masterpiece in the Making?
Resident Evil 9 is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious horror games of its generation. Whether it unites franchise veterans in a climactic showdown, rewrites the survival horror playbook with semi-open exploration, or introduces an unforgettable new villain, the next entry is bound to leave a lasting impact.
Until Capcom lifts the veil, fans will continue scouring every teaser, decoding hidden numerals, and theorizing about what horrors lie in wait. But if the past few years are any indication, Resident Evil 9 won’t just meet expectations—it might redefine them.
Lily Gao’s Role as Ada Wong In Resident Evil 4 Remake
Lily Gao has been making waves in the entertainment industry with her recent performances. The Chinese Canadian actor gained significant attention for her portrayal of Ada Wong in the Resident Evil 4 Remake. Despite facing racist and sexist harassment following her performance, Gao boldly addressed these issues on her Instagram, standing up against the unfair criticism.
Beyond her role as Ada Wong, Gao continues to build an impressive acting portfolio. She has appeared in notable productions including “Slip” (2023), “Dream Scenario” (2023), “Chapelwaite” (2021), and “The Expanse.” Her diverse roles show her range as an actress and her growing presence in both television and film.
Lily Gao stepped into the iconic role of Ada Wong in the Resident Evil 4 remake, bringing new dimensions to this beloved character while facing both acclaim and controversy for her performance.
- Lily Gao faced and addressed harassment related to her portrayal of Ada Wong in the Resident Evil 4 Remake.
- She has expanded her acting career with roles in several productions including “Dream Scenario” and “Slip” in 2023.
- Gao continues to establish herself as a versatile actress in the entertainment industry with appearances in both TV and film.
Portrayal of Ada Wong in Resident Evil 4
Lily Gao, a Chinese Canadian actor, took on the challenging task of voicing Ada Wong in the 2023 remake of Resident Evil 4. Her performance marked a significant transition from television work to the video game industry, where she had to capture the essence of an established character with a devoted fanbase.
The role represented a major career milestone for Gao, transforming her from what some describe as an “indie darling” to a prominent figure in the gaming world. Ada Wong, an Asian American spy character, has been a fan favorite in the Resident Evil franchise for years.
Gao’s interpretation brought a fresh take to the character while attempting to honor Ada’s mysterious and complex nature. Her voice work required balancing Ada’s cool demeanor with emotional depth during key story moments.
Authentic Representation and Challenges
Following the game’s release, Gao faced a significant backlash from certain segments of the gaming community. The criticism became so intense that she deactivated comments on her Instagram posts in early April 2025 due to what she later described as “racist and sexist harassment.”
Gao eventually spoke out against this treatment, directly addressing the negative reception of her portrayal. Sources indicate the backlash had troubling racial undertones, with some critics specifically targeting her identity rather than her performance.
Despite these challenges, many supporters praised Gao for bringing authentic representation to the character. The controversy highlighted ongoing issues within gaming communities regarding the treatment of actors from diverse backgrounds.
Industry figures have noted the importance of Gao’s role in expanding representation in video games, particularly for Asian performers in prominent character roles.
Industry Response and Public Reaction
Lily Gao’s portrayal of Ada Wong in Resident Evil 4 Remake sparked significant controversy within the gaming community. Her performance became the center of heated debates about voice acting quality, representation, and the treatment of actors in the gaming industry.
Debates on Sexist Harassment
Following the release of Resident Evil 4 Remake, Lily Gao faced a wave of criticism that quickly crossed the line into harassment. On April 10, Gao released a statement addressing the situation, highlighting the “racist and sexist harassment” she experienced for her portrayal of Ada Wong.
The harassment became so severe that Gao was forced to turn off comments on her Instagram account. Industry professionals and fans alike spoke out against the targeted bullying, emphasizing that while critique of performance is acceptable, personal attacks are not.
Several gaming journalists and content creators defended Gao, pointing out the troubling pattern of women and people of color facing disproportionate criticism in gaming roles.
Inauthentic Casting Controversies
As the first Asian actor to portray Ada Wong in the Resident Evil video games, Gao’s casting initially represented a positive step for authentic representation. In her statement, she expressed feeling honored by this milestone and grateful to the production team for the opportunity.
Some critics, however, questioned whether her performance captured Ada Wong’s established character traits. These discussions often walked a fine line between legitimate critique and thinly veiled prejudice.
Industry professionals emphasized the importance of separating performance critique from identity-based attacks. The controversy highlighted ongoing tensions in gaming about who gets to portray iconic characters and how authenticity is defined.
Backlash From the Community
The gaming community’s reaction to Gao’s performance was notably divided. Some players expressed disappointment in her voice acting, comparing it unfavorably to previous portrayals of Ada Wong.
Critics like Sphere Hunter faced accusations of racism when offering negative reviews of Gao’s performance, though supporters argued these critiques focused solely on the quality of voice acting rather than Gao’s identity.
The backlash prompted discussions about the responsibility of gaming communities toward the real people behind game characters. Many fans defended Gao, arguing that disliking a performance didn’t justify harassment or personal attacks.
Community moderators on platforms like Steam and Reddit worked to manage discussions, allowing criticism while removing overtly hostile or discriminatory comments.
Professional Achievements in Law
Lily Gao has established herself as a prominent figure in the legal field, particularly in corporate law and finance transactions. Her expertise and dedication have earned her recognition in specialized areas of practice.
Special Counsel at Duane Morris LLP
Lily Gao currently serves as Special Counsel at the prestigious law firm Duane Morris LLP. She joined the firm with a strong educational background as a 2013 graduate of Brooklyn Law School. Before her law career, she completed her undergraduate studies at the Macaulay Honors College at the City College of New York, graduating summa cum laude.
Her position at Duane Morris marks a significant achievement in her professional trajectory. As Special Counsel, Gao handles complex legal matters and provides specialized expertise to clients navigating intricate business transactions.
Her responsibilities include advising clients on regulatory compliance and representing them in various transactional matters. Gao’s role demonstrates her advanced legal knowledge and the trust placed in her abilities by one of the country’s respected law firms.
Mergers and Acquisitions Expertise
Gao has developed considerable expertise in mergers and acquisitions, becoming a valuable asset to clients engaged in corporate restructuring and business combinations. She advises on all stages of M&A transactions, from initial due diligence to final closing procedures.
Her work encompasses:
- Strategic planning for acquisitions and divestitures
- Due diligence coordination across multiple jurisdictions
- Negotiation of transaction terms and agreements
- Structuring deals to maximize tax efficiency
Gao has guided clients through complex asset sales and corporate reorganizations. She demonstrates particular skill in identifying potential regulatory hurdles and developing strategies to address them proactively.
Her attention to detail and thorough understanding of corporate structures have helped clients complete transactions efficiently while minimizing legal risks.
Finance Transactions and Commercial Finance Successes
In the realm of finance transactions, Gao has built a notable portfolio of successful deals. She specializes in commercial finance matters, helping clients secure funding for business growth and development.
Gao has developed particular expertise in community development finance, including work with the New Markets Tax Credit program. This specialized knowledge allows her to assist clients in accessing capital for projects in underserved communities.
Her experience extends to:
- Private equity transactions
- Debt financing arrangements
- Structured finance deals
- Tax-advantaged investment vehicles
Gao’s understanding of both legal requirements and business objectives enables her to craft financing solutions tailored to client needs. She has helped numerous businesses navigate the complexities of commercial lending agreements and capital formation.
Her work in this area demonstrates a commitment to facilitating economic development through skilled legal representation.
Entertainment Ventures Beyond Acting
Lily Gao has expanded her entertainment portfolio beyond traditional acting roles. Her diverse creative pursuits showcase her versatility and commitment to exploring different facets of the entertainment industry.
The Love Club Series and Cast Ensembles
Lily Gao has been making waves with her involvement in “The Love Club” series, an ensemble project that has gained significant attention. The series features Gao working alongside talented actors in a production that explores relationships and personal connections.
The cast includes notable performers who bring depth to the storytelling through their chemistry. On set, Gao has demonstrated her ability to adapt to ensemble work, bringing her unique perspective to group scenes.
“The Love Club” has been praised for its authentic portrayal of modern relationships and the complex dynamics between characters. Gao’s performance adds a distinctive element to the production that resonates with viewers.
Collaboration With Brittany Bristow and Others
Gao’s professional relationships extend to collaborations with industry talents like Brittany Bristow. Their work together has produced compelling content that showcases both performers’ strengths.
These creative partnerships include projects with Chantel Riley and Camille Stopps, forming a network of professionals who support each other’s artistic development. The collaborative environment has allowed Gao to explore different acting techniques and approaches.
Their joint appearances at industry events have further cemented these professional relationships. Many of these collaborations incorporate food and culinary themes, reflecting Gao’s interest in diverse storytelling elements.
Expansion Into Music and Streaming Services
Beyond acting, Gao has ventured into the music industry, exploring her vocal talents and musical expression. Her music projects reveal another dimension of her artistic abilities that complements her on-screen performances.
She has leveraged streaming platforms to reach broader audiences with her creative content. These digital venues provide Gao with direct channels to connect with fans and showcase her multifaceted talents.
Gao has also participated in exclusive streaming service productions that highlight her versatility. These projects often feature original music and innovative content formats designed specifically for digital distribution.
Her strategic approach to streaming services demonstrates her understanding of evolving entertainment consumption patterns and her ability to adapt to industry changes.
Philanthropy and Community Contribution
Lily Gao has shown remarkable dedication to philanthropy throughout her career. Over the past four years, she has raised nearly $2,000 from sales to over a dozen countries for charitable identity-based and human-rights organizations.
As an artist and nonprofit business owner, Gao has leveraged her platform to support causes that align with her values. Her work demonstrates how creative professionals can contribute to meaningful community development.
Gao’s involvement with charity events extends beyond personal fundraising. She has reportedly worked on planning high-profile charity auctions, connecting her professional skills with philanthropic efforts.
The benefits of her contributions extend internationally, with supporters from multiple countries participating in her fundraising initiatives. This global reach amplifies the impact of her charitable work.
Community support has been particularly important for Gao during challenging times. When facing online criticism for her role as Ada Wong in Resident Evil 4 Remake, many community members rallied around her, showing the reciprocal nature of her relationship with fans and supporters.
Through consistent charitable work and community engagement, Gao exemplifies how public figures can use their influence to create positive social impact while building stronger connections with their audience.
Financial and Economic Contributions
Lily Gao has established herself as a notable professional in the financial sector. As a Partner at Duane Morris LLP, she brings expertise to complex commercial finance transactions and community development initiatives.
Her work in the New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) program stands out particularly. Gao is recognized for her contributions to this federal program, which generates private investment in low-income communities across the United States.
As special counsel at Duane Morris LLP’s New York office, Gao advises clients on structuring and implementing tax credit transactions. These financial mechanisms help channel capital to underserved areas and stimulate economic growth where it’s needed most.
Gao’s professional background also includes experience at KPMG UK as a Graduate Tax Trainee. This foundation in tax policy has informed her specialized work in community development finance.
Her expertise has earned her recognition in professional circles. The Novogradac Journal of Tax Credits highlighted her among younger leaders in community development, identifying her as a Rising Star in the field.
Through her legal and financial work, Gao helps create pathways for investment in economically distressed areas. These efforts contribute to job creation, business development, and infrastructure improvements in communities that might otherwise struggle to attract capital.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lily Gao has been busy with several projects recently, while also dealing with public reactions to her role as Ada Wong. Fans have many questions about her career, personal life, and upcoming work.
What are the latest projects featuring Lily Gao?
Lily Gao recently appeared in “Dream Scenario” (2023) and “Slip” (2023). Both projects showcase her acting range and talent.
She also worked on “The End of Sex,” a comedy film distributed by Blue Fox Entertainment. The film represents another genre expansion for Gao’s growing portfolio.
Her diverse project choices demonstrate her versatility as an actress trained at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute.
Has Lily Gao received any recent awards or recognitions?
There are no widely reported recent awards or formal recognitions for Lily Gao in the provided information.
However, many fans and community members have shown strong support for her work. This support became especially evident following criticism of her role as Ada Wong.
The “vast majority” of the gaming community has reportedly stood with Lily Gao against critics, which represents a form of recognition from fans.
What recent roles has Lily Gao been known for, such as Ada Wong in the RE4 remake?
Lily Gao gained significant attention for her portrayal of Ada Wong in the Resident Evil 4 remake (2023). This role brought her into the spotlight within the gaming community.
She faced some criticism for this performance, which she later addressed by calling out “racist and sexist harassment.” The Chinese-Canadian actress stood firm against these negative reactions.
Before Ada Wong, Gao appeared in “Chapelwaite” (2021) and “Kin” (2018), building her resume with diverse character portrayals.
Who is Lily Gao’s current spouse, and are there any recent updates on her marital status?
There is no information provided about Lily Gao’s current spouse or marital status in the search results.
No recent updates about her personal relationships appear in the available information. She has kept this aspect of her life relatively private.
Public information about Gao tends to focus on her professional work rather than her personal relationships.
Can you provide updates on Lily Gao’s involvement in the TV series Letterkenny?
The search results do not contain any information about Lily Gao’s involvement in the TV series Letterkenny.
No mentions of this show appear in connection with her name in the provided information. Her listed credits include other productions but not Letterkenny.
Without additional information, it’s unclear whether she has had any role in this series.
Have there been any recent announcements about Lily Gao’s upcoming movie or television appearances?
“The End of Sex” appears to be an upcoming comedy film featuring Lily Gao. Blue Fox Entertainment has released a trailer for this project.
Beyond this film, no specific announcements about future roles or projects are mentioned in the provided information.
As a working actress with recent credits in 2023, it’s likely Gao has other projects in development that haven’t been publicly announced yet.
