Fans responded with near-universal approval when Leon S. Kennedy appeared in the December 2025 trailer for Resident Evil Requiem, many declaring that the long-running protagonist had "aged like fine wine". The redesign has prompted fresh discussion about character evolution in big-budget franchises and the creative choices behind them.

Eurogamer's feature on the title's visual overhaul credits Capcom's female developers with close attention to the character's new look, describing the outcome as "a design that would make anyone's heart throb." The team framed the revision as a deliberate effort to mature Leon without undermining the recognisable traits that have defined him since his debut.

Sponsored

Design changes reported in the feature focused on subtle ageing rather than wholesale reinvention. Adjustments to facial proportions and surface detail, refinements to hair and costume, and targeted tweaks to facial rigging and animation were employed to convey a more seasoned, approachable hero. The emphasis rested on balancing gravitas with the charm that has sustained fan affection for the character.

Capcom's process, as outlined in the piece, relied on cross-disciplinary collaboration. Concept artists, modelers, animators and narrative staff coordinated to ensure the visual update supported performance and tone across cinematics and gameplay. The involvement of a diverse development cohort was highlighted as instrumental in avoiding caricatured youthfulness or overly aggressive modernisation.

The response from the community reflects a wider appetite for character designs that respect legacy while signalling progression. Leon's new presentation in Resident Evil Requiem was framed as an example of how small, well-judged changes can refresh a household name without alienating established fans.

Full details on the redesign process and the team's thinking are available in Eurogamer's original feature: Eurogamer — Resident Evil Requiem Leon S. Kennedy redesign process.