SDCC ’26: Cregger, Goldstein & Daley take over Hall H for a directors’ chat

By Gem M.

Hall H was packed on day one of San Diego Comic-Con 2026 as directors Zach Cregger (Barbarian, Weapons, Resident Evil) and filmmaking duo Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley (Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, Game Night) took the stage to discuss their past projects and upcoming films at “Collider’s Directors on Directing” panel.

The panel was moderated by Collider Editor-in-Chief Steven Weintraub, who kicked things off by showing a sizzle reel highlighting the directors’ careers before diving into a wide-ranging conversation about filmmaking.

Weintraub posed questions covering everything from the directors’ creative processes to what kind of movie they would make if they ever collaborated on a single project.

Cregger spoke first, discussing his experience directing Weapons and the overwhelming response he’s received after taking on the highly anticipated Resident Evil reboot.

He also shared his excitement about working on Gladys, while keeping details about the mysterious title character under wraps. Cregger additionally revealed that his next project after Resident Evil will be Flood, a sci-fi film.

Goldstein and Daley were then asked about their upcoming Star Trek film. Although they couldn’t reveal many details, the pair assured fans that development is progressing well. They said they hope to put a fresh spin on the franchise while still satisfying longtime fans and welcoming newcomers into the ever-expanding universe.

The conversation then turned to advice for aspiring filmmakers.

“Oh man,” Cregger said after taking a moment to think. He encouraged aspiring directors to make the movie they genuinely want to make and remain authentic to their own creative vision.

Goldstein said passion and confidence are also important. “You have to love what you’re doing,” he said, adding that filmmakers also need to convince the people financing their projects that they believe wholeheartedly in their vision.

The panel then shifted to fan questions, but with a surprise. Instead of audience members lining up at microphones, questions came via prerecorded video messages from fellow filmmakers and celebrities.

Topics ranged from the rules they follow while writing and directing to which filmmakers they would most like to shadow and the most difficult scenes they’ve ever filmed.

One surprise video came from Jason Statham, who asked the directors to describe the hardest action sequence they had ever shot and why.

Goldstein talked about the elaborate portal sequence in Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, explaining that its complexity required coordinating hundreds of people while carefully explaining every aspect of the sequence. Daley also recalled the memorable egg-toss sequence in Game Night, noting the technical challenges involved in connecting the camera movement to the action.

Cregger discussed one of the most challenging sequences from Resident Evil, in which Austin Abrams’s character is chased as zombies jumped from buildings and explode around him. Rather than relying heavily on visual effects, Cregger said he wanted to use practical effects whenever possible. That meant carefully timing stunt performers, Abrams’s running speed, and explosive effects while ensuring everyone’s safety on set.

As the panel wrapped up, Hall H attendees were treated to exclusive footage from Resident Evil and Mayday.

Goldstein and Daley spoke briefly about Mayday, explaining that they were excited to give Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh opportunities to play roles unlike those that audiences typically associate with them. They said they look forward to sharing the film with audiences and hope its themes resonate with today’s world.

The filmmakers also expressed their excitement for viewers to see the film when it premieres on Apple TV.

But the surprises weren’t over.

Fans in Hall H were also shown an extended scene from Resident Evil, giving attendees another exclusive look at Cregger’s take on the iconic horror franchise.

The panel concluded with one final surprise, as Johnny Depp appeared in costume as Ebenezer Scrooge, performing a brief live act for the Hall H crowd before a trailer for the film was screened, bringing the “Directors on Directing” panel to a memorable close.

Stay tuned to The Beat for more news from SDCC ’26.