Capcom Eyes Dead Rising Return as Sequel Rumors Swirl: Frank West, Psychopaths, and a Film Director Antagonist in the Mix

Capcom is reportedly resurrecting Dead Rising with a fresh entry that’s set to take the series back to its roots, and to a wildly new backdrop. Multiple sources claim the publisher has a “major” new Dead Rising project in early development, codenamed ‘Rec’. If the rumours are true, Frank West fans are in for a major comeback, and the franchise’s infamous brand of zombie chaos isn’t going quietly into the night.

There’s been no official Capcom announcement yet, but reputable reports say the game has been quietly in the works since 2023. The twist? This time, players may wind up battling zombie hordes right on the sun-drenched (and blood-spattered) streets of Hollywood.

Frank West, Old Foes, and a New Main Villain

According to details shared by MP1st, the new game could deliver what longtime fans have been clamouring for: a direct follow-up to 2006’s original Dead Rising. The source wouldn’t officially lock down whether it’s a numbered sequel, but all signs point to a narrative continuation featuring photography-obsessed hero Frank West back in action amid a fresh outbreak.

Isabela Keyes, a central figure from the first game, will also reportedly return. It wouldn’t be Dead Rising without its signature “Psychopath” boss battles, either; the same leak calls out their comeback as a highlight. If you ever missed the mall, this news will probably hit just right.

But here’s the new wild card: the main antagonist might be an “extravagant and deranged film director” who traps Frank and other survivors in a series of deadly trials, all in the pursuit of capturing his “perfect movie.” It’s classic Dead Rising, but with a meta twist; literally being directed through the nightmare by a villain obsessed with turning carnage into cinema.

Time Limits, Cameras, and What to Expect

The tipsters also mention that Dead Rising’s divisive time limit mechanic is making its return. Love it or hate it, the clock will once again be ticking as players navigate zombie threats, rescue missions, and Psychopath showdowns. And yes, Frank’s infamous camera system is coming back, likely providing plenty of opportunities for chaotic photojournalism in the midst of undead bedlam.

When it comes to the rest of the cast, fans will recall that after the original game, Frank West faded from the limelight. Dead Rising 2, released in 2010, changed the protagonist entirely, with Frank only resurfacing for the Case West DLC and other bonus scenarios. This latest rumoured project could finally put the focus back on the classic hero.

For now, there’s no word, or even a vague window, on when the new Dead Rising might actually drop. Capcom’s been silent on the matter, and there’s no confirmation that the rumours will pan out. But with sources agreeing on development and key ideas, excitement is creeping up faster than a mall escalator full of zombies.

If you picked up last year’s Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster, you probably noticed it didn’t reinvent the wheel. Critics gave it a middling response: “The over-the-top zombie shenanigans still hold up in 2024, but next to the remaster from 2016, this is definitely geared more toward first-time players than returning fans.” Those who’ve been waiting for a real evolution and a return to Frank West’s story might finally have something big to look forward to, if Capcom pulls the trigger on this Hollywood nightmare.