Resident Evil Villagelaunched to a positive critical reception. The latest entry in theResident Evilfranchise followed almost directly on from the events ofResident Evil 7, with the Winters family being offered little respite.Resident Evil Villagewas also well-received byResident Evilfans, many of whom felt the game presented the perfect conclusion to the story of Ethan Winters and his family.
SinceResident Evil Village’srelease, however, fans have uncovered a secret in a post-credits scene that may turn the game’s ending on its head. According to this secret, the fate of Ethan Winters may not have been as black and white as it was made out to be. But for the sake ofthe story ofResident Eviloverall, Ethan Winters should not be a major feature inResident Evil 9.
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Is Ethan Winters Still Alive?
Theending ofResident Evil Village’sstoryseemed to be conclusive about the fate of Ethan Winters. He volunteers to stay behind in the village in order to detonate a bomb and end the events of the game once and for all. Much to the horror of Mia, Chris Redfield reluctantly agrees to Ethan’s plan and the story ends with Ethan, Mother Miranda, and the entire village going up in an explosion while Chris escapes with Mia and Rose.
Ethan Winters was given a heroic and selfless end to his involvement in theResident Evil franchise, befitting what fans knew about the character. At least, that’s what everyone thought, but it seems Capcom may have other ideas.
In a post-credits scene, Rose is seen visiting her father’s grave before one of Chris Redfield’s agents comes to pick her up. The scene reveals Rose has many of her father’s powers, among some that “even Chris doesn’t know” she has. This has led some to believe that Rose will bethe protagonist ofResident Evil 9, or potentially even the antagonist due to the anger she evidently holds. However, fans have used a free camera mod and discovered that Ethan is present in the post-credits scene approaching Rose’s car. Assuming this is meant to be Ethan Winters and not just a stand-in for another character, it’s possible Ethan could be the protagonist ofResident Evil 9.
Why Resident Evil 9 Should Pick a New Protagonist
It’s understandable thatResident Evilfans don’t want to see the end of the Ethan Winters saga after his growth from an out-of-his-depth civilian to an infected-killing machine. Stranger things have happened in theResident Evilfranchise that could justify such a surprise twist. But it could be argued thatEthan Winters’ death inResident Evil Villagewas the perfect way to end his story. Ethan’s storyline was that of a father sacrificing everything to save the life of his daughter. Ultimately, Ethan had to sacrifice himself to ensure the safety of Rose.
If Ethan Winters is still alive, it cheapens the sacrifices he made. Players found out inResident Evil Villageof Ethan’s invincibility, however in the ending ofVillagehis regenerative abilities were failing him, and as such he knew it was a suicide mission. Ethan surviving would lessen the importance of his sacrifice and distract from the character’s heroism. Beyond that, the decision to kill off the series’ new main protagonist as it finally looked like the story might have a happy ending was unique.
Bringing back Ethan and having the main character survive against all odds would come across as people-pleasing rather than in aid of the greater story.Ethan’s story should end withResident Evil Village, making way for a new protagonist inResident Evil 9.
Resident Evil Villageis available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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