What if the godfather of zombies had tackled the Resident Evil franchise? It’s a question that’s haunted horror fans for decades. George A. Romero, the visionary behind Night of the Living Dead and its sequels, was briefly attached to direct a Resident Evil film before Paul W.S. Anderson took the helm. While we never got Romero’s feature-length take on the zombie apocalypse, we did get something almost as tantalizing: a 1997 Japanese TV commercial for Resident Evil 2, directed by Romero himself. This forgotten gem of horror history is now the subject of On the Set of Resident Evil 2: The TV Commercial, a new book by Norman England that promises to be more than just a behind-the-scenes look—it’s a time capsule of a moment when gaming and horror collided in the most unexpected way.
A Cult Classic in 30 Seconds
What makes this commercial so fascinating isn’t just its director; it’s the sheer audacity of the project. In 1997, video game marketing was still in its infancy, and the idea of hiring a legendary filmmaker to helm a 30-second ad was practically unheard of. Capcom, the game’s developer, took a bold gamble by bringing Romero on board, and the result was a commercial that felt more like a mini-horror film than a product pitch. Personally, I think this was a genius move—it blurred the lines between art and advertising, creating something that transcended its purpose and became a cultural artifact.
But what’s even more intriguing is how this commercial became a cult legend. It wasn’t just the Romero connection; it was the energy, the chaos, and the raw artistry that Norman England describes witnessing on set. Brad Renfro, the young actor who starred in the ad, added a layer of intensity that made it unforgettable. If you take a step back and think about it, this was a moment when the worlds of cinema, gaming, and advertising converged in a way that felt utterly unique. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most interesting projects are the ones that don’t fit neatly into any category.
The Book as a Time Machine
On the Set of Resident Evil 2: The TV Commercial isn’t just a book—it’s a time machine. Through England’s vivid journal entries, rare set photos, and vintage production documents, readers are transported to a bygone era of filmmaking and gaming. What makes this particularly fascinating is how it captures the behind-the-scenes magic of a project that, on the surface, seems like a footnote in history. But as the book reveals, this commercial was anything but minor.
One thing that immediately stands out is the level of detail included. Nearly 200 full-color set photos, reproductions of magazine articles, and exclusive interviews with key players like Romero, Renfro, and editor Pat Buba make this a treasure trove for horror and gaming enthusiasts. But what many people don’t realize is that this book also serves as a broader commentary on the intersection of art and commerce. It raises a deeper question: How often do we overlook the creative ambition behind seemingly disposable media? This commercial, and the book that chronicles it, challenge us to reconsider what we value in pop culture.
Romero’s Legacy and the What-Ifs
George A. Romero’s involvement in the Resident Evil 2 commercial is more than just a trivia nugget—it’s a window into what could have been. Imagine if Romero had directed the Resident Evil films. Would they have been grittier, more socially conscious, or perhaps even more experimental? From my perspective, Romero’s approach to horror was always about more than just scares; it was about commentary on society, consumerism, and humanity’s darker impulses. A Resident Evil film through his lens might have been a masterpiece of allegorical horror.
This raises another fascinating point: the commercial itself is a microcosm of Romero’s style. Even in 30 seconds, he managed to inject a sense of dread and unease that was unmistakably his. A detail that I find especially interesting is how the ad mirrors themes from his Dead trilogy—isolation, desperation, and the breakdown of civilization. What this really suggests is that Romero saw the Resident Evil universe not just as a game, but as a canvas for exploring his signature themes.
Why This Matters Now
In an era where video game adaptations are bigger than ever, On the Set of Resident Evil 2: The TV Commercial feels oddly timely. It’s a reminder of a time when the relationship between gaming and cinema was still being defined. Personally, I think we’ve lost some of that experimental spirit in today’s franchise-driven landscape. Everything feels so calculated, so safe. This book, and the story it tells, is a call to embrace the chaos and creativity that made projects like this commercial possible.
It also invites us to reflect on the legacy of both Romero and Resident Evil. Romero’s influence on horror is undeniable, but his impact on gaming is often overlooked. Similarly, Resident Evil has evolved into a multimedia juggernaut, but its roots in survival horror are sometimes forgotten. This book is a bridge between those worlds, a testament to the power of collaboration and vision.
Final Thoughts
As I reflect on On the Set of Resident Evil 2: The TV Commercial, I’m struck by how much it has to say about the nature of creativity and legacy. It’s not just a book about a forgotten ad—it’s a meditation on what happens when artists push boundaries, even in the most unlikely of places. In my opinion, this is the kind of storytelling that reminds us why we love movies, games, and horror in the first place. It’s messy, it’s ambitious, and it’s utterly human.
So, will I be adding this book to my collection? Absolutely. Not just because I’m a horror nerd, but because it’s a rare glimpse into a moment when everything clicked—when a game, a filmmaker, and a commercial came together to create something truly special. If you take a step back and think about it, that’s the kind of magic we should all be chasing.
