Leon Kennedy’s Actor Confirms He Isn't Done With Resident Evil Yet
Nick Apostolides is perhaps best known for playing the role of Leon S. Kennedy in Capcom’s iconic Resident Evil series, and to celebrate the launch of Requiem, I had the chance to speak to the main man once more.
I last spoke to Nick in February 2025, and during our conversation, it was clear that he loves Resident Evil as much as any fan, and he even spoke of his passion for helping to build communities around the world.
Since that time, a lot has been going on with the development of Resident Evil Requiem, the latest entry in the Capcom series, where Leon goes back to the place where it all began for him, Raccoon City.
In 2024, Nick posted an image on his social media holding a hatchet. At the time, it was just seen as a nice photo shared with his fans. However, when Leon S. Kennedy was revealed to return in Resident Evil Requiem, he had a similar-looking hatchet used to crack zombie skulls.
Was Nick Teasing Resident Evil Requiem in 2024?
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“Honestly, in my brain, I wasn't saying, oh, this is gonna be a nice tease. That was just me celebrating like with any other project that I do. I always take little photos in my mocap suit with random props that sometimes have nothing to do with the project,” explains Nick.
“When you go to these studios, they usually have a back room filled with props, swords, mallets, guns and everything. I just usually pick one up and tease that I’m working on a new project. So that was the vibe. I never thought that in two years they're gonna reveal Leon with a hatchet. It was just by chance,” he laughs.
Leon Has Been on Quite a Journey Since Resident Evil 2
“Ever since I first played Leon in the Resident Evil 2 remake, it’s been a big honour. As an actor, it can be a rarity to play a character over an entire arc that has lasted seven years of my life. I’ve played Leon in over four different projects. Three video games and the Netflix animated series, Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness. It’s just such an honour that Capcom would want to work with me and play out this journey.
“Leon has gone from being a rookie RPD cop, new to everything and seeing everything for the first time. He was excitable and just trying to do the right thing in Resident Evil 2. When Resident Evil 4 came around, he was a bit more experienced at 26 years old. He’s been on more missions and had a lot more training. He’s a little wiser to the world and how dark it can be,” Nick recalls.
“In Resident Evil Requiem, he’s now been there and done it all. He’s seen everything, and nothing surprises him at this point. His mission in Requiem has higher stakes, and that shows in his portrayal. I also appreciate how it comes full circle.
“When I saw Leon open the doors and revisit the dilapidated RPD, I got goosebumps. The hair jumped off my arms. That’s the reaction that a lot of old school fans will get. They understand the gravity of that moment and what it means to Leon, a character they love so much.
“Leon starts in Raccoon City at the RPD, and now it’s been 28 years. There’s something special about his arc going in a full circle. It’s something special and important. I felt the responsibility of paying tribute to that, and having a really deep understanding of his story, I was able to hone in on those emotions.
Honouring the Legacy of Leon but Making His Mark
“I have to trust my instincts as an actor and know that I have the support of Capcom to inject my personality into this vision. You just have to roll with it and have your influence. But I’m not the guy who made Leon an icon.
“He’s been portrayed by some of my friends, and it feels like I’m standing on their shoulders for something they helped create. It’s like I’m sitting at this Leon table, and that’s still kind of crazy to me. I thank those actors for their performances, because they helped inspire me to become an actor.”
Leon Is the King of One-Liners
“I got to come up with quite a few one-liners in the Resident Evil 4 remake. Some were badass, some were funny, and some were sarcastic. One of my favourites is when Bitores Méndez transforms into his second form, into that big centipede thing. I put in the line, ‘Oh, you wanna get ugly? Let’s get ugly’. I thought that was good, let’s fight zinger.
“There was another when Osmund Saddler introduced himself in the original Resident Evil 4, and Leon said something like ‘You better say your prayers then’. I thought that was a bit too cheesy to sell in the remake, so I felt like adding to that. So instead, I said ‘Tell someone who gives a shit,’ and then I shot him in the eyeball.”
Nick and the Future of His Leon S. Kennedy
On the topic of reprising the role in other entities, such as the aforementioned Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness.
“Yeah, I would be honoured to walk in this guy’s shoes as long as they wanted me and as long as I felt that I could do him justice, for sure,” Nick replies.
Why Do Live-Action Resident Evil Movies Get It So Wrong?
As fans, we’re all well aware that the live-action Resident Evil movies have been a tad pants, and that’s putting it mildly. However, we have another new attempt arriving this year from Barbarian and Weapons director, Zach Cragger.
“I’m cautiously optimistic, yet again. We’ve all been let down so many times, and we keep coming back for more. I like Zach Cregger's vision as a creator. I think his previous two horror movies are great,” Nick says.
“I think I've heard that the studios are kind of stepping back a little. I think that's part of the problem with the other movies, is that I think studios got heavily involved. People in charge of the funding will say you gotta do this and that, which can dilute the creative vision.
“If they are giving Cregger much more freedom, I have hope, despite what I read about it not being tied to the games. I think that could be fine, as it doesn't need to be tied to the games. As long as it's a good, solid, entertaining movie with Resident Evil elements, I’d be happy. It doesn't need a billion easter eggs. You don't need to shoehorn them in. Let’s have hope, one more time and see what he does with it.”
Angela Sant'Albano Embracing the Community With Grace
Grace Ashcroft is not only a new character in the series, but also for her actress, Angela Sant'Albano, it’s also her first time playing a video game character, having previously performed on TV and in the theatre. Nick passes on his words of wisdom when it comes to embracing the Resident Evil community.
“She's fantastic, and it was a pleasure working with Angela. She’s a tremendous actress and brought such consistency to her role, which is very demanding, by the way, and you’re probably experiencing that in her performance.
“In terms of preparing for this community, I tried to explain that they can be rapid, but in the best way, and they are so supportive. They’re so loyal and dedicated, and to get ready, because this tidal wave is coming for you,” he smiles. “It’s such a nice moment for her, because I remember what it was like seven years ago when I first played Leon. I’ve been kinda living with this community ever since, and I’ve been welcomed like a big, loving family.
Finding the Joy in Life
“I’ve restored a bit more balance in my life. Not working too much and getting back to some personal creative endeavours, namely woodwork. It’s been a couple of years since I did a substantial project, and I’ve taken on a couple of new projects in the last five or six months. It’s reminded me that when I work with my hands, it grounds me and reminds me of who I am, I’m Nick, outside of the whole crazy career world that I live in.
Resident Evil Requiem is out now on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch 2.
Topics: Interview, Features, Resident Evil, Resident Evil Requiem, Capcom, PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo