A trusted industry insider has reaffirmed claims that Leon S. Kennedy will serve as the primary protagonist in the upcoming Resident Evil Requiem. While the game's initial reveal at Summer Game Fest 2025 showcased Grace Ashcroft as the central character, mounting evidence suggests Capcom may be employing clever misdirection with their marketing strategy.

Resident Evil Requiem represents the latest installment in Capcom's legendary survival horror franchise. The game's announcement trailer prominently featured newcomer Grace Ashcroft, leading many to assume she would carry the narrative. However, persistent leaks from credible sources maintain that series veteran Leon Kennedy will ultimately take center stage.

Leon Kennedy remains one of the most beloved figures in the Resident Evil universe, having first appeared in 1998's Resident Evil 2. His starring role in Resident Evil 4 (2005) cemented his status as a franchise icon, with many considering the title among the greatest video games ever created. Kennedy has since appeared in numerous series entries, including recent remakes of his classic adventures.

During Capcom's recent Spotlight event, game director Koshi Nakanishi addressed the swirling rumors about Leon's involvement. While acknowledging the character was considered for Requiem, Nakanishi suggested Leon might not be "ideally suited" for the game's horror elements. This carefully worded statement has only fueled further speculation among the fanbase.

Noted leaker AestheticGamer (also known as Dusk Golem) remains adamant about Leon's central role, stating: "I'm completely confident Leon remains the protagonist." The insider argues that Requiem won't be "pure horror" and suggests Capcom is deliberately misleading fans about the true nature of the game's narrative structure.

Industry analysts note that Resident Evil Requiem appears to blend traditional survival horror with intense action sequences. This hybrid approach could explain the dual protagonist theory, with Grace Ashcroft potentially handling the horror-oriented sections while Leon Kennedy stars in the more action-driven sequences.

Capcom's unusual decision to publicly address the Leon rumors has raised eyebrows. Typically, game studios remain silent about unconfirmed leaks, making this acknowledgment particularly noteworthy. The company employed similar tactics when discussing the now-confirmed open-world elements in Requiem.

Fans won't have to wait long for confirmation, as Resident Evil Requiem is scheduled for a major showcase at Gamescom 2025. With the game's February 2026 release date approaching, more concrete information should emerge in the coming months.