The Resident Evil franchise has captivated fans for decades, blending survival horror, compelling narratives, and unforgettable characters. One character who left a strong impression in recent entries is Ethan Winters, the protagonist of Resident Evil 7: Biohazard and Resident Evil Village (Resident Evil 8). As Capcom gears up for the next chapter—Resident Evil 9—many fans are asking: Will Ethan return in Resident Evil 9?
A Quick Recap of Ethan Winters’ Journey
Ethan made his debut in Resident Evil 7, thrown into the terrifying Baker family estate while searching for his missing wife, Mia. His story continued in Resident Evil Village, where we witnessed Ethan face off against the monstrous Lady Dimitrescu, the sinister Mother Miranda, and a slew of grotesque creatures in a mysterious Eastern European village.
By the end of Village, Ethan’s fate was left on an emotional and tragic note. He made the ultimate sacrifice to save his daughter, Rose. In a climactic finale, Ethan seemingly perished—but not before revealing that he was no ordinary human.
Is Ethan Truly Gone?
The final scenes of Village suggest that Ethan died. However, this is Resident Evil, a series known for resurrecting characters and defying death with bio-organic twists. In fact, the post-credits scene of Village shows Rose all grown up, with mysterious hints about her powers—and possibly Ethan’s legacy still lingering in the shadows.
Moreover, it was revealed during the game that Ethan was technically already dead since the events of Resident Evil 7, kept alive by the Mold. This opens the door to supernatural or scientific explanations that could bring him back in some form.
What Capcom Has (and Hasn’t) Said
Capcom has remained tight-lipped about Resident Evil 9’s storyline. While official details are scarce, leaks and rumors suggest that the next game might tie up the loose ends from the Winters family arc. Some insiders claim RE9 will be the conclusion of the trilogy that began in RE7. If that’s true, then Ethan—or at least his memory—could play a crucial role.
Capcom has a history of using emotional, legacy-driven narratives. If Rose is to be the new protagonist, her journey might be guided by Ethan’s influence—through visions, flashbacks, or even a possible resurrection via the Mold.
To get a deeper look into who might take the lead in the upcoming title, you can also check out the latest insight on the Resident Evil 9 main character.
Fan Theories and Possibilities
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Playable Flashbacks: Ethan could return in flashback sequences, offering new gameplay from past unseen events.
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Mold Revival: Given the Mold’s regenerative abilities, Ethan’s consciousness or body could be revived under certain conditions.
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Rose’s Powers: Rose may be able to connect with Ethan’s essence due to her supernatural abilities.
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Clone or Simulation: The Umbrella Corporation or another villainous group might recreate Ethan for their own purposes.
While it’s unclear whether Ethan Winters will physically return in Resident Evil 9, it’s safe to say his presence will be felt. Whether as a guiding memory, a playable flashback, or a surprise twist, Ethan’s story is deeply tied to the current narrative arc of the franchise.
Resident Evil 9 is expected to release between 2025–2026, and if Ethan Winters is coming back, the announcement could shake the Resident Evil fandom once again.
