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Resident Evil Village launched to a positive critical reception. The latest entry in the Resident Evil franchise followed almost directly on from the events of Resident Evil 7, with the Winters family being offered little respite. Resident Evil Village was also well-received by Resident Evil fans, many of whom felt the game presented the perfect conclusion to the story of Ethan Winters and his family.
Since Resident Evil Village’s release, 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 of the story of Resident Evil overall, Ethan Winters should not be a major feature in Resident Evil 9.
Is Ethan Winters Still Alive?
The ending of Resident Evil Village’s story seemed 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 the Resident 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 be the protagonist of Resident 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 of Resident Evil 9.
Why Resident Evil 9 Should Pick a New Protagonist
It’s understandable that Resident Evil fans 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 the Resident Evil franchise that could justify such a surprise twist. But it could be argued that Ethan Winters’ death in Resident Evil Village was 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 in order to ensure the safety of Rose.
If Ethan Winters is still alive, it cheapens the sacrifices he made. Players found out in Resident Evil Village of Ethan’s invincibility, however in the ending of Village his 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 with Resident Evil Village, making way for a new protagonist in Resident Evil 9.
Resident Evil Village is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.