Summary
Given how frequentlyResident Evilreprises fan-favorite characters from across the series, Capcom needs to finally ditch a long-running and problematic trope if any of the series' previous heroines return inResident Evil 9. Despite the variety of characters, settings, and stories introduced with each newgame,Resident Evilcontinues to bring back classic characters, such as Chris Redfield inResident Evil: Villageor Ada Wong in theResident Evil 4remake’s DLC. But over the years, it seems that onlyResident Evil’s male characters are showing their age, while the female leads remain suspiciously youthful.
However, this isn’t an oversight on Capcom’s behalf, asResident Evil’s reason for its ageless female charactersis explained away by previous infections from various in-universe viruses. The convenience of anti-aging properties has enabledResident Evil’s reputation for bringing back both male and female characters, yet it seems only the former is susceptible to visibly growing old. Unfortunately, this only feeds into the broader controversies of tropes like “Immortality Begins at Twenty” and “Beauty is Never Tarnished,” meaning that Capcom would be wise to finally break from tradition for an older heroine to return inResident Evil 9before it’s too late.
The Importance of Representation in Resident Evil
Resident Evil’s Next Step is with Older Female Leads
Acknowledging thatResident Evilshould be acutely aware of how important representation matters following theResident Evil 5controversy, the age difference between returning male and female characters will only become more obvious and less excusable over time. The trope of forever young and attractive female characters already walks an uncomfortable line when considering the male gaze, so Capcom needs to seize the opportunity to do better when it comes toResident Evil 9. As part of Capcom’s ongoing efforts to improve representation, likeResident Evil 3’s sexualization of Jill Valentine,Resident Evil9could take another positive step in the right direction.
Resident Evil: Village Could Provide a Blueprint for Resident Evil 9
Though Chris Redfield inResident Evil: Villageserves as an example of how classic characters should reflect their age whenever they return, the same game also offers a more interesting alternative that Capcom should consider exploring. Like otherResident Evilcharacters, Ethan Winters was revealed to have been infected by the mold, yet while he too gains special powers such as regenerative healing, expectations are subverted when his infection factors intoEthan’s sacrifice duringResident Evil: Village’s ending.Resident Evil 9could take this further by surprising fans with a returning female character whose previous infection is now causing them to age.
How Older Female Leads Could Feature in Resident Evil 9
Though earlier female characters are more well-known and popular amongfans, the ideal candidate for an aging female protagonist due to a previous infection would be Rose, Ethan’s daughter. Since theShadows of RoseDLC already showcased her inherited mold-related abilities and her relationship with them, an olderRose Winters could return inResident Evil 9with her story arc exploring the complications of rapid aging caused by the mold as seen with Eveline inResident Evil 7: Biohazard. This would perfectly serve as a continuation ofResident Evil: Village’s own story while also countering the series' problematic trope of ageless female leads.
But between players growing tired of the Winters' storyline and returning classic characters being a staple ofResident Evilgames, it might be more likely that female leads such as Claire Redfield or Jill Valentine could first appear in future games before someone like Rose.Resident Evil 9also doesn’t need to adopt theMetal Gear Solid 4-like idea of accelerated aging, as these characters could just be naturally older when they return, similar toResident Evil: Village’s Chris. In fact, with the experience of past events fromResident Evilgames and the years in between, returning older female characters would still break traditions with fans satisfied regardless.
