After months of speculation, Resident Evil fans finally have their answer. Leon S. Kennedy is officially part of Resident Evil: Requiem, with confirmation arriving not through Capcom, but via an unexpected appearance on the PlayStation Store.
Earlier today, players noticed updated box art appearing on PlayStation 5 console dashboards, specifically within the pre-download section for the standard edition of the game. The image prominently features Leon, putting an end to one of the community’s longest-running debates. The artwork has since been verified as authentic, confirming that the long-rumoured fan-favourite character will indeed return.
The newly surfaced cover depicts Leon looking worn and battle-hardened, positioned above fellow protagonist Grace Ashcroft. His design closely resembles his look from Resident Evil 4, complete with his familiar hairstyle and signature leather jacket lined with fur. The weathered appearance reflects the years spent fighting bioterror threats, presenting a version of Leon shaped by experience rather than nostalgia.
Speculation around Leon’s role in Requiem has circulated since the game was first revealed. At Gamescom in August, Capcom declined to comment when asked directly about his involvement. Developers even hinted that Leon might not suit the game’s more restrained horror moments, suggesting he has become too seasoned to be easily frightened. Still, those remarks left room for interpretation, particularly regarding the game’s action-heavy segments.
Despite Capcom maintaining a tight lid on details, leaks had consistently pointed toward Leon’s inclusion. Story elements also seemed to support the theory. Requiem revisits Raccoon City and aims to continue the overarching storyline that began decades ago. An early trailer showcased the remains of the Raccoon City Police Department, a location deeply tied to Leon’s origins as a rookie officer.
In November, producer Masato Kumazawa acknowledged that familiar faces would appear in the game, though he cautioned fans against setting expectations too high. His comments now appear to have been carefully measured rather than misleading.
The timing of the reveal is notable. With the game set to launch on February 27, 2026, and Resident Evil: Requiem scheduled to feature at The Game Awards later this week, an official announcement — or even gameplay footage featuring Leon — now seems inevitable.
While Leon’s involvement is no longer in doubt, questions remain. A recent retail listing hinted at the inclusion of Rosemary Winters, though her role is believed to be smaller. As Requiem appears to be drawing together long-running story threads from across the series, fans are left wondering how these characters’ journeys will conclude — and whether Leon’s long fight against bioterror finally has an endpoint.
For now, one thing is certain: Leon S. Kennedy is back, and Resident Evil: Requiem just became a lot harder to predict.
