Film adaptations of video games can be a hit or a miss. Fortunately, Resident Evil (2002) manages to hit all the right spots. Paul W.S. Anderson’s horror-action adaptation of the Resident Evil game was quite a commercial success, despite the fact that some film critics gave it unfavorable reviews. This film follows Alice, portrayed by Milla Jovovich, and a bunch of officers from the Umbrella Corporation as they try to contain a virus at an underground facility.

One of the things that really makes Resident Evil worth the watch is the amazing performances by the cast. Anderson did well with the casting for his film, selecting actors who would add depth and complexity to his screenplay. It’s been quite a while since the first installment in the franchise was released, making it a good time to take a closer look at where some of the cast is these days:

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Milla Jovovich (Alice)

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Many would argue that Resident Evil was the film that helped Milla Jovovich form her professional image in the entertainment industry. Prior to her appearance in the film, Jovovich did take part in other projects such as The Fifth Element (1997) and The Messenger (1999). However, Resident Evil is the film that cemented her name in the industry. She became one of the most successful female action stars in the world, as she starred in all five Resident Evil sequels (2004-2016), along with other films such as Ultraviolet (2006), The Three Musketeers (2011), Hellboy (2019), and Monster Hunter (2020). She’s also set to star in Stefon Bristol’s upcoming action-adventure film, Breathe (TBA).

Jovovich has also dipped her feet into other endeavors including music, modeling, and fashion designing. Over the years, the actress released quite a few songs including “The Gentleman Who Fell (Before The Court)” and “Electric Sky”. Back in 2003, Jovovich and Carmen Hawk, a fellow model, launched a clothing line called Jovovich-Hawk, but eventually ended the business in 2008 due to their busy schedules.

Michelle Rodriguez (Rain Ocampo)

Prior to her appearance in Resident Evil, Michelle Rodriguez appeared as Letty Ortiz in The Fast & the Furious (2001), which cemented her role in the Fast & Furious franchise, while also helping the actress become more well-known in the industry. She even won a Golden Angel for Best Leading Actress of the Year at the Chinese American Film Festival for her performance in Furious 7 (2015).

Some of Rodriguez’s most popular performances include films such as Avatar (2009), S.W.A.T (2003), Machete (2010), and Smurfs: The Lost Village (2017). In addition, the actress had a consistent role in ABC’s science fiction drama TV series Lost (2005-2006; 2009-2010). According to reports, Rodriguez is expected to appear in the 2024 Fast & Furious 11. Other than her work as an actress, Rodriguez has also been part of video games. She reprised her roles in the Fast & Furious and Avatar video games. While also appearing in other games including True Crime: Streets of LA (2003), Driver 3 (2004), Halo 2 (2004), and Call of Duty: Black Ops II (2012).

Eric Mabius (Matthew Addison)

Eric Mabius played the activist Matt in Resident Evil and since then the actor has appeared in quite a few films and TV shows. Most of Mabius’ best performances were in TV series including Chicago Hope (1994-2000), Millennium (1996-1999), Popular (1999-2001), The O.C. (2003-2007), and Eyes (2005). Perhaps his most well-known role was as fashion magazine editor Daniel Meade on ABC’s drama series Ugly Betty (2006-2010). The role helped Mabius land multiple award nominations including two consecutive nominations for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series at the Screen Actors Guild Awards. Mabius made such an impact as Daniel Meade that he was included in Time Magazine’s 2006 “Sexiest Men Alive” list.

James Purefoy (Spence Parks)

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James Purefoy portrays Alice’s partner Spence Parks in Resident Evil. The actor has come a long way since then, starring in a variety of films and TV series. Purefoy started his acting career in the theater and this becomes apparent in not just in his performance but also in the type of scripts and roles he selects. Some of Purefoy’s major roles in drama series include Camelot (2011), Rome (2005-2007), Altered Carbon (2019), and Pennyworth (2019-2022). In addition to his acting career, Purefoy has also portrayed different characters on BBC Radio over the years. Given his theater background, it’s not surprising that the actor is able to depict such expression and emotion with just his voice.

Colin Salmon (James “One” Shade)

Colin Salmon did a spectacular job at portraying the Umbrella’s advanced biotechnology clone, James Shade. Over the years the actor has built quite the portfolio for himself acting in a variety of films and TV shows. He appeared in a variety of the Resident Evil sequels, but the film isn’t the only project where Salmon worked with W.S. Anderson; the two teamed up again for the sci-fi action movie Alien vs. Predator (2004). He’s also had roles in various popular TV series including Doctor Who (2005-present), Merlin (2008-2012), Arrow (2012-2020), and The Musketeers (2014-2016). Aside from his endeavors as an actor, Salmon is quite a philanthropist. He’s a patron of not only the African-Caribbean Leukemia Trust but also the Richard House Children’s Hospice. He’s also the ambassador for The Prince’s Trust.

Heike Makatsch (Dr. Lisa Addison)

Heike Makatsch is best known for her role as Matt’s sister, Dr. Lisa in Resident Evil. The German actress has performed in quite a few German movies, but some of her more well-known work internationally includes her roles in The Book Thief (2013), and Love Actually (2003). For her role as Mia in Love Actually, Makatsch was nominated, along with the rest of the cast, for the Phoenix Film Critics Society for Best Cast back in 2003. Makatsch has also delved a little into the music industry by singing for the soundtracks of the shows and movies she worked on. Some of her works include the soundtracks for Almost Heaven (2005) and Hilde (2009), and This Girl Was Made for Loving for Obsession (1997).