Capcom’s worst-kept secret was finally unravelled at The Game Awards, with Leon S. Kennedy being confirmed as the co-protagonist of the upcoming Resident Evil Requiem, along with newcomer Grace Ashcroft.
Leon is approximately 51 years old during the events of Requiem, appearing noticeably older than in his last series appearance during Resident Evil 6. However, the years have clearly been kind to Leon as his new look has proven very popular among both Japanese and international fans.
Himbo Renaissance
“He looks scruffy yet clean. Damn, they cooked,” comments Temporary_Round555 in a thread about Leon’s reveal. Leon is arguably the most popular protagonist the series has ever had, but his inclusion in Requiem serves a purpose beyond fan service. Leon’s many encounters with the various biological horrors of Resident Evil’s setting have given him experience and fearlessness, two qualities that Requiem’s other protagonist, Grace, lacks. The pair complement one another.
“We had daddy Chris, and now we got daddy Leon,” writes EmilioTremaine. Chris Redfield played the part of a wily supporting veteran in Resident Evil 7 and Village; a role that Leon appears to be taking up for Grace in Requiem.
“You are as beautiful as the day I last saw you,” gushes CrazyFreakAdro. Kennedy’s fashion sense has also been complimented, with several commenters demanding to know where the federal agent bought his coat.
In Japan, Leon has been labelled an ‘Ikeoji’. This essentially means ‘attractive middle-aged man’ and is exactly what Capcom was going for with the character’s design in Requiem (thanks, Automaton).
“He isn’t the fresh and youthful kind of hot guy he was in Resident Evil 4; he’s a seasoned Ikeoji now! This Leon is also hot in his own way,” writes Hanagili_0906.
Resident Evil 2 director Hideki Kamiya also gave his thoughts on the reveal, lamenting how beloved gaming characters were ageing just like everyone in the real world who grew up with them.
Resident Evil Requiem Finally Admits Leon Kennedy Is In The Game
Finally.
“It’s kind of alarming how Leon, Dante and Ryu are becoming old geezers day by day,” writes Kamiya. “Uncle Leon, I hope you at least live a happy life in old age.”
I think we’re all hoping for a happy ending for Leon, but how many more impossible situations can our acerbic hero conquer?
Resident Evil Requiem
- Released
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February 27, 2026
- ESRB
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Mature 17+ / Intense Violence, Blood and Gore, Strong Language, In-Game Purchases
- Engine
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RE Engine
