What if the godfather of zombie cinema had tackled one of gaming’s most iconic franchises? It’s a question that’s haunted horror fans for decades. Long before Paul W.S. Anderson’s Resident Evil films dominated theaters, George A. Romero, the visionary behind Night of the Living Dead, was poised to bring his undead magic to the big screen. But fate, as it often does, had other plans. The closest we ever got to Romero’s Resident Evil wasn’t a feature film—it was a 30-second TV commercial for Resident Evil 2. And now, thanks to Norman England’s new book, On the Set of Resident Evil 2: The TV Commercial, we’re finally getting a glimpse into this fascinating 'what-if' moment in pop culture history.
A Cult Classic in 30 Seconds
Personally, I think what makes this commercial so intriguing isn’t just its connection to Romero, but the sheer audacity of the collaboration. In 1997, Capcom, a Japanese game developer, hired Romero to direct a live-action ad for a Japanese audience. On paper, it’s a bizarre pairing: the American master of horror working on a Japanese video game commercial. But what many people don’t realize is that Romero’s influence had already transcended borders by then. His Dead trilogy had a global cult following, and Capcom clearly understood the power of his name. This wasn’t just a marketing stunt—it was a cultural handshake between two titans of horror.
What’s even more fascinating is how this commercial became a cult legend. It’s not just a forgotten relic of the ’90s; it’s a piece of history that bridges the gap between gaming and cinema. If you take a step back and think about it, this was a moment when the lines between mediums were starting to blur. Romero, a filmmaker known for his gritty, socially charged narratives, was now working on a project that existed solely to sell a video game. This raises a deeper question: was this a sellout, or a visionary move? In my opinion, it was the latter. Romero saw the potential of gaming as a storytelling medium long before it became mainstream.
Behind the Scenes of Chaos and Artistry
Norman England’s book isn’t just a collection of facts—it’s a time capsule. Through journal entries, set photos, and interviews, England paints a vivid picture of what it was like to be on set with Romero and actor Brad Renfro. One thing that immediately stands out is the contrast between the commercial’s polished final product and the chaos of its creation. Romero’s process was famously improvisational, and England’s account captures that energy. It’s like reading a love letter to the messy, unpredictable nature of creativity.
A detail that I find especially interesting is the inclusion of production documents and press coverage from the era. These aren’t just artifacts—they’re windows into a bygone era of media. The ’90s were a transitional period for both gaming and film, and this commercial sits at that intersection. What this really suggests is that Romero wasn’t just adapting to the times; he was helping to shape them. His involvement lent legitimacy to a medium that was still fighting for respect.
Why This Matters Beyond Nostalgia
On the surface, On the Set of Resident Evil 2: The TV Commercial might seem like a niche book for die-hard fans. But if you dig deeper, it’s a commentary on the evolution of storytelling. Romero’s commercial wasn’t just a marketing tool—it was a proof of concept. It showed that the language of horror cinema could be translated into gaming, and vice versa. This paved the way for future collaborations between filmmakers and game developers, a trend that’s now ubiquitous.
From my perspective, the book also highlights the importance of preserving these 'in-between' moments in pop culture. We often focus on the big releases—the blockbuster films, the AAA games—but it’s the smaller projects that often reveal the most about an artist’s vision. Romero’s commercial is a reminder that even the most seemingly insignificant work can have a lasting impact.
The Legacy of a What-If
What if Romero had directed a Resident Evil film? It’s a question that will forever remain unanswered, but England’s book gives us the next best thing. It’s a chance to see Romero’s style distilled into its purest form—unencumbered by studio interference or box office expectations. This commercial is a snapshot of what could have been, and it’s both exhilarating and bittersweet.
As someone who’s spent years analyzing the intersection of horror and gaming, I can’t help but wonder how different the Resident Evil franchise might have been under Romero’s direction. Would it have been more grounded? More socially conscious? Or would it have been too radical for mainstream audiences? These are questions we’ll never know the answers to, but they’re worth asking. They remind us of the power of 'what-ifs' in shaping our cultural narratives.
Final Thoughts
On the Set of Resident Evil 2: The TV Commercial isn’t just a book—it’s a conversation starter. It invites us to reflect on the paths not taken, the collaborations that could have been, and the artists who shaped our favorite genres. Personally, I think it’s a must-read for anyone interested in the history of horror, gaming, or the intersection of the two. It’s a reminder that even the smallest projects can leave a lasting legacy.
So, will I be adding this book to my collection? Absolutely. Not just because it’s a fascinating piece of history, but because it’s a testament to the enduring power of creativity. And who knows? Maybe, just maybe, it’ll inspire the next generation of filmmakers and game developers to take a few more risks. After all, isn’t that what Romero would have wanted?
