Resident Evil fans are eagerly counting down the days until the franchise’s next major release arrives. With Resident Evil Requiem set to launch next month, anticipation is at an all-time high. Until then, fans have a small but intriguing piece of Resident Evil content to dive into. While it’s not a brand-new game or series, newly uncovered footage reveals cut content from the Resident Evil 4 Remake, offering a fascinating look at what didn’t make it into the final release.
It’s common for games to include content that never makes it into the final release. Developers often cut material for various reasons, ranging from pacing and technical limitations to creative direction changes. While the exact reason remains unclear in the case of the Resident Evil 4 Remake, newly uncovered material suggests the game was originally planned to feature a different opening sequence than the one players ultimately experienced.
Resident Evil 4 Remake Ashley Chapter Has Been Restored
Thanks to the YouTube channel Thekempy, fans are now getting a glimpse of this partially restored chapter. Early development appears to have placed players in control of Ashley Graham, likely during the game’s opening moments. This introduction would have followed Ashley along a path that eventually leads to the point where players begin their journey as Leon S. Kennedy. Unfortunately, only a small portion of this content has been recovered, as many of the original files tied to these sequences are no longer present in the game.
You can watch a full breakdown of how the level was originally designed in the embedded video above. In short, the sequence focuses on Ashley attempting to escape captivity while stealthily navigating through a handful of narrow pathways. Her escape ultimately fails, with Ashley being recaptured right around the moment Leon enters the story. Even so, it’s fascinating to see how the game was initially meant to begin—an opening that was briefly teased in the game’s early trailer. As for why this section was removed, no official explanation has been given, though the YouTube channel suggests it was likely cut to preserve the game’s pacing and overall flow.
Looking ahead, the survival horror franchise has a major new chapter on the horizon. Resident Evil Requiem is set to return players to Raccoon City, decades after the devastating tactical strike that reshaped the city’s fate. The highly anticipated title is scheduled to launch on February 27, 2026. Beyond that, rumors continue to circulate about additional Resident Evil remakes, with reports suggesting the first of these could arrive as early as 2027.