Resident Evil 9 Leak Hints at September Character Reveal — Could Leon Kennedy Finally Return?
The Resident Evil franchise has never been short on mystery, suspense, and shocking reveals. Now, it seems fans may not have to wait much longer to see one of the series' most beloved characters return. According to a reliable source, Resident Evil 9—officially titled Resident Evil Requiem —might feature a major character reveal as soon as this September.
Capcom officially unveiled the next chapter of the iconic survival horror series during Summer Game Fest 2025 , but details have been deliberately scarce. While we know a few things about the setting and main protagonist, speculation continues to swirl around whether Leon S. Kennedy will make his long-awaited comeback.
(1/2) Before I get talking about everything. Leon's not gone anywhere from RE9, most people weren't expecting a Resident Evil Requiem trailer today to begin with. But there's a couple other big gaming events later this month with a State of Play & TGS. I don't know Capcom's
— AestheticGamer aka Dusk Golem (@AestheticGamer1) September 12, 2025
A Trusted Leaker Suggests a Big Reveal
Well-known Resident Evil insider Dusk Golem recently shared on X (formerly Twitter) that a new Resident Evil Requiem trailer could be on the horizon. The leaker speculated that Capcom might showcase it at either the upcoming Tokyo Game Show 2025 or during a rumored PlayStation State of Play presentation later this month.
The most exciting part? Dusk Golem believes that this trailer may finally confirm Leon Kennedy's return to the series. For many fans, this would be one of the most anticipated moments in Resident Evil history, cementing Leon's role in the franchise's future.
Why Leon's Return Would Be Huge
Leon Kennedy has become one of the most recognizable figures in gaming. First introduced in Resident Evil 2 back in 1998, Leon has appeared in several major installments, including Resident Evil 4 —widely regarded as one of the greatest games ever made. Most recently, players saw him in the 2023 remake of Resident Evil 4 , but he hasn't had a new story-driven role since Resident Evil 6 in 2012.
His absence from the early Resident Evil Requiem footage has not gone unnoticed. Fans are eager to see the rookie cop-turned-special agent back in action, especially since the game's setting may bring him closer to his roots in Raccoon City.
Interestingly, director Koshi Nakanishi previously stated that Leon wasn't the right fit for the next game, even calling him "a bad match" for the horror themes they were aiming for. Still, eagle-eyed fans spotted a possible hint in the debut trailer: a ruined version of the Raccoon City Police Department , where Leon famously began his journey. That small detail alone has fueled endless speculation.
Resident Evil Requiem's Story So Far
While much about RE9 remains hidden, we do know some confirmed story elements. The protagonist this time is Grace Ashcroft , an FBI intelligence analyst and the daughter of Alyssa Ashcroft from Resident Evil Outbreak .
Grace's investigation takes her to the Wrenwood Hotel in Raccoon City, where she begins to uncover chilling secrets tied to her late mother. Trailers have shown her exploring shadowy hallways, haunted by disturbing flashbacks and stalked by grotesque creatures. A mysterious voice whispers about her "destiny," hinting at deeper personal stakes.
This storyline suggests a fresh perspective for the series, but longtime fans can't help but wonder: if Grace's path intersects with Raccoon City's legacy, could Leon naturally be part of that puzzle?
Recent Trailer Reveals
During the September 2025 Nintendo Direct , Capcom released another ominous trailer for Resident Evil Requiem . It emphasized Grace's vulnerability, psychological struggles, and the terrifying atmosphere of the abandoned hotel. Yet, once again, Leon was nowhere to be seen.
For some, this only strengthens the belief that Capcom is holding him back for a big reveal. If Leon does appear, it's likely to be a headline moment—either as a surprise supporting character or, possibly, a second playable protagonist.
Why Tokyo Game Show or State of Play Matters
Both Tokyo Game Show and PlayStation State of Play have become major stages for blockbuster announcements. Capcom has a long history of using these events to reveal new Resident Evil trailers, gameplay, and surprises.
If the rumors are accurate, fans might not only get confirmation of Leon's involvement but also see more of Requiem's gameplay, mechanics, and story direction. This would mark a significant turning point, giving fans a clearer picture of what to expect when the game eventually launches.
The Weight of Expectations
The Resident Evil series carries an enormous legacy, and Requiem has the challenge of living up to it while also moving the story forward. For many players, Leon Kennedy represents the heart of the franchise's action-horror balance. His presence could bridge old fans with new players, ensuring the game has mass appeal.
At the same time, Capcom must tread carefully. The spotlight is on Grace Ashcroft as the lead, and Leon's inclusion would need to complement her story rather than overshadow it. Balancing nostalgia with fresh storytelling is a delicate task, but one Capcom has handled well in the past.
Final Thoughts
Whether Leon Kennedy returns in Resident Evil Requiem is still unconfirmed, but the signs are pointing in that direction. With the game revisiting Raccoon City and leakers hinting at a September reveal, fans are understandably hyped.
If Capcom does decide to bring Leon back, it could be one of the most memorable reveals in Resident Evil history. Until then, fans will be watching closely for any updates from Tokyo Game Show 2025 or a potential PlayStation State of Play later this month.
One thing is certain: Resident Evil 9 is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about games of the year, and if Leon Kennedy makes his return, the excitement will only grow stronger.
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