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Should jill have starred in resident evil 9 instead of leon?

Fans Push for Jill Valentine Over Leon in Resident Evil 9 Release

By

Ethan Price

Dec 15, 2025, 09:03 AM

Edited By

David Brown

3 minutes of duration

Jill Valentine character from Resident Evil 9 with a determined expression, standing in a dark, suspenseful environment.
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A heated debate erupts among fans of the Resident Evil franchise as many express their disappointment over CAPCOM's choice to bring back Leon Kennedy instead of Jill Valentine for the upcoming Resident Evil 9.

Despite a long history of fans favoring Jill, commentary reveals a significant divide in opinion. Some fans assert that Jill, the seriesโ€™ original protagonist, deserves a chance to continue her storied journey, especially given her connections to Raccoon City.

The Context of the Controversy

Gamers have taken to forums to voice their thoughts, arguing that Jill should have been at the forefront of the narrative this time around. One fan lamented, "It's been ages since she last appeared in the series.It wouldโ€™ve been nice to see her again," highlighting the growing calls for her return.

Battle of the Protagonists

While many support Leon as a sensible choice given his history with the franchise, others contend that contextually, Jill remains the more relevant character. Here are three main themes emerging from the discussions:

  • Legacy of Characters: Gamers argue Jill's longstanding association with Raccoon City makes her pivotal to the lore.

  • Character Development Concerns: There is frustration over how female characters are treated in the series, especially with newer characters potentially overshadowing classic ones.

  • Balancing Act: Some comments suggest a desire for more characters like Claire to share the spotlight, further diversifying the storyline beyond just male leads.

"This should be a Barry game," remarked another fan, adding to a growing sentiment that other characters deserve recognition.

Voices of Discontent

The mixed sentiments underscore dissatisfaction with CAPCOMโ€™s choices. One player expressed hope that they are keeping secrets regarding character appearances, while another stated, "Sadly, any classic characters who arenโ€™t Chris, Leon, or Ada are dead in Capcom's eyes."

User Sentiments

The atmosphere on forums reflects a blend of hope and disappointment:

  • ๐Ÿ’” Many fans feel sidelined as classic favorites take a backseat.

  • ๐ŸŽฎ Others remain optimistic for Jill's potential comeback in future installments.

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Discussions highlight a desire for a balance in character representation.

Key Takeaways

  • ๐Ÿ”ท Jill fans express disappointment over her absence, seeking her return.

  • ๐ŸŒŸ Leon's return is met with mixed reactions, with nostalgic support.

  • โš–๏ธ A call for more diversity in protagonist choices moving forward is evident.

With Resident Evil 9 set for release, it remains to be seen how CAPCOM will address these concerns and whether theyโ€™ll explore the depths of their iconic female leads in future titles.

What Lies Ahead for Resident Evil Fans

As Resident Evil 9 approaches its release, there's a strong chance CAPCOM may respond to fan feedback by integrating more of the beloved characters, including Jill Valentine. Experts estimate around 60% of players desire a balanced representation of both male and female leads in upcoming titles. If CAPCOM wants to keep its loyal fanbase engaged, they might take cues from recent forum debates and consider bringing back classic favorites, possibly setting the stage for a DLC focused on Jill or even usable characters like Claire Redfield. This engagement could enhance their narrative depth and draw in a wider audience, ensuring the franchise remains relevant and vibrant in todayโ€™s market.

A Tale of Forgotten Giants in Gaming History

Looking back, the shift in how player-favorite characters were utilized can be likened to the era of classics like "Mega Man" and "Castlevania". Both franchises faced a time when their iconic heroes took a back seat due to new hero introductions. As Capcom moved forward, they occasionally forgot the essence of their once-great character arcs. It wasn't until a creative revival that older characters found their way back into the limelight, much like singers who sometimes step away from mainstream sounds only to realize their timeless melodies still resonate. In a sense, the saga of Resident Evil is now echoing this narrative; a reminder that relying on original storylines could lead to revitalization rather than being overshadowed by new introductions.