It's been several months since Capcom released Resident Evil Village, which turned to be both a critical and commercial success. So naturally, just as with any other video game franchise, fans wonder what will happen with Resident Evil next. While it is too early for Capcom to reveal anything, a recent rumor suggests that a veteran character is returning in Resident Evil 9.
According to prominent Resident Evil leaker Dusk Golem, Jill Valentine may have a huge role in Resident Evil 9. However, it is worth noting that Dusk Golem isn't 100 percent sure of this information, so players should take it with a heavy grain of salt. Although only time can tell what Capcom has in store for Resident Evil 9, it is no secret that fans have long anticipated Jill Valentine's return, and here are the reasons why.
It's Unclear What Happened to Jill Valentine After Resident Evil 5
Except for the 2020 remake of Resident Evil 3, Jill Valentine's last appearance in a mainline game was in Resident Evil 5, set in the year 2009. The events of Resident Evil 5 showed that Jill ended up captured by Albert Wesker, who used her to develop the Uroboros virus and placed her under mind control. However, thanks to the intervention of Chris Redfield and his new partner Sheva Alomar, Jill was freed from captivity and helped the pair end Wesker once and for all.
Although Resident Evil 5 saw Jill's return to the BSAA, the game didn't really explain what happened to her after years of mind control. However, in an email to Barry Burton in Resident Evil Revelations 2, Jill revealed that she is undergoing a rehabilitation program, but couldn't wait to get back in action as a field agent. Players were left wondering whether she successfully recovered from her horrific ordeal or not. Unfortunately, this was the last time Resident Evil mentioned Jill, which remains a mystery given her popularity and overall importance in the franchise's lore.
Jill Valentine Appearing in Resident Evil 9 Makes Sense Story-Wise
Apart from Jill Valentine not appearing in a mainline Resident Evil game since Resident Evil 5, having Jill return in Resident Evil 9 makes perfect sense. She can serve as a bridge between the old and new Resident Evil games. Of course, the role of the bridge has already been taken by Chris Redfield in the past, given that he has appeared in both Resident Evil 7 and Village.
At the moment, it is still unknown whether Chris Redfield will appear in Resident Evil 9, given the potential time jump that could happen based on Resident Evil Village's ending. However, if Resident Evil 9 will be the final entry in the new trilogy that began with Resident Evil 7, it makes sense for Chris to be there to continue the story.
Assuming that this happens, it wouldn't be a stretch for Capcom to include Jill in Resident Evil 9, given that she and Chris are longtime partners and have been at the center of the franchise since the first Resident Evil game. On the other hand, maybe Resident Evil 9 would see Chris retiring from active duty, and it would be impossible for Capcom to conclude Chris' story without Jill.
Resident Evil 9 is rumored to be in development.