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newsTuesday, October 20, 2026·3 min read

Chandler Riggs' Fan Film Blends The Walking Dead with Resident Evil

Actor Chandler Riggs releases a fan film that fuses The Walking Dead and Resident Evil, offering a fresh take for horror fans.

Emily Kinney
Photo: Gage Skidmore

A new fan film starring Chandler Riggs, best known for his role as Carl Grimes on The Walking Dead, has surfaced online, merging the post‑apocalyptic world of The Walking Dead with the bio‑hazard nightmare of Resident Evil. The short blends iconic zombies with the series’ signature horror‑action, featuring familiar makeup and practical effects that pay homage to both franchises. Released on a popular video platform, the project showcases Riggs' directorial ambitions and his love for genre mash‑ups. For fans of either series, the crossover offers a fresh, unofficial glimpse of what a collaborative universe could look like. Its viral spread underscores the growing appetite for fan‑driven content that bridges beloved IPs.

What happened

Earlier this week, a 12‑minute fan film titled “The Walking Dead Meets Resident Evil” was uploaded to YouTube, starring Chandler Riggs as both a survivor and a bio‑engineered antagonist. The film opens with a desolate road reminiscent of The Walking Dead, quickly shifting to a laboratory scene that echoes Resident Evil’s Umbrella Corporation.

Riggs not only appears on screen but also directed and co‑wrote the piece, collaborating with a small crew of indie filmmakers. The production relies on practical makeup, low‑budget set pieces, and a soundtrack that blends the gritty tones of both series, delivering a seamless crossover without official studio backing.

Why it matters

The crossover highlights the power of fan‑generated content to reimagine established universes, offering creators a sandbox to explore narrative possibilities that studios may never pursue. It also raises questions about intellectual property boundaries, as the film operates in a legal gray area while still attracting large viewership. For the horror community, such projects reinforce a collaborative culture where fans can celebrate and expand their favorite franchises.

+ Pros
  • Shows creative potential when two iconic horror worlds intersect.
  • Provides fresh content for fans awaiting official crossovers.
  • Demonstrates how low‑budget filmmaking can achieve high‑impact storytelling.
– Cons
  • Lacks official endorsement, limiting distribution channels.
  • Potential copyright concerns could lead to takedowns.
  • Production quality may not match studio standards.

How to think about it

If you’re a fan looking to support similar projects, consider sharing the video on social media, commenting to boost its algorithmic reach, and following the creator’s channel for future releases. For aspiring filmmakers, study the film’s practical effects and pacing as a case study in blending disparate source material on a modest budget. Remember that while fan works can energize a community, respecting the original IP owners’ guidelines is essential to avoid legal pitfalls.

FAQ

Is the fan film an official collaboration between the two franchises?+
No, it is an independent fan‑made short without any official partnership or licensing from the owners of The Walking Dead or Resident Evil.
Where can I watch Chandler Riggs' crossover fan film?+
The film is currently available on YouTube via the creator’s channel, linked in the original news announcement.
Can fan films like this be monetized?+
Monetization is limited; creators often rely on ad revenue or donations, but they must navigate copyright claims that can restrict earnings.
Sources
  1. 01The Walking Dead Meets Resident Evil in Chandler Riggs' New Fan Film
  2. 02The Walking Dead Meets Resident Evil in Chandler Riggs' New Fan Film
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