It’s perhaps one of the best kept secrets around. While Capcom is officially banking on Grace Ashcroft as the main heroine of Resident Evil Requiemthe name of Leon Kennedy comes up insistently in discussions between fans. And for good reason: according to DuskGolemfamous leaker of the Resident Evil universe, the character would already be visible in the first trailer of the gamebroadcast ahead of the opening of pre-orders scheduled for October 29, 2025.
The informant, known for his previous revelations on the series, claims that two discreet appearances de Leon are hidden in the video. At first glance imperceptible, they would become obvious once the trailer was analyzed frame by frame. DuskGolem clarifies: “They are minor and more obvious in hindsight.” This narrative choice suggests a deliberately cryptic cameo… or a teaser intended for the most seasoned fans.
Leon, a playable character… or secondary?
The other question concerns playability. Is it Leon that players will play as in the story? Or will it only appear occasionally? To this question, DuskGolem remains evasive: “It’s subjective”, he admits, before adding that “given the structure of the game, most players will play more with Leon.”
This hypothesis revives speculation on the game’s narrative. If Grace Ashcroft remains the official face of the opus, the potential presence of Leon as a playable character would redistribute the cardsby creating a dynamic of double narrative – a process already explored in old parts like Resident Evil 2 Or Revelations 2.
Capcom remains silent, but a withdrawal seems excluded
Despite these leaks, Capcom has still not spoken on the presence of Leon Kennedy in Requiem. But the rumors suggesting a possible withdrawal of the character are considered not very credible by the leaker: “A withdrawal is almost impossible”, he explains, because it would involve “a lot of discussions, approvals, budget allocation for this change, etc.” In other words, if Leon was originally planned, he should be present in the final product.
A counter-productive role?
What is also intriguing is the treatment reserved for Leon by the development team. According to the director’s comments, relayed earlier, the emblematic hero would not be the ideal candidate to embody pure fear. The author of the game even claimed that Leon Kennedy was not a good horror player. A surprising statement, but one which could indicate a change of tone or a diversion from the classic codes of survival horror.