How Leon Suddenly Appeared In Resident Evil Requiem

After months of rumors, fans finally got a first look at Leon S. Kennedy in Resident Evil Requiem thanks to an update on the PlayStation Store.

The new box art shows newcomer Grace Ashcroft in front, with Leon in the background, older and more worn down but clearly recognizable.

This image was first noticed by players who had pre-ordered the game and saw new key art on the PS5 pre-download page.

Gaming sites like Nintendo Life, Gematsu, and PlayStation Universe quickly picked up the story and shared a clearer version of the art.

They confirm that the image is live on Sony’s store for some users and has also been seen through screenshots and captures posted on social media and forums.

What Leon Looks Like In The New Artwork

In this leaked art, Leon S. Kennedy stands behind Grace, almost like an older partner watching her back. Reports describe that his look is as close to his Resident Evil 4 design, but with a more tired and serious expression, as if he is somewhere between his RE4 and RE6 age and mindset.

He wears a very familiar style of jacket and still has his signature hair, but the details make him feel seasoned and worn out by so many years of horror rather than the fresh rookie cop from Raccoon City.

This small change is very important because it signals that Resident Evil Requiem is not just a new story, but also a continuation of the Leon’s long journey in the series.

Why This First Look Matters So Much To Fans

For many players, Leon is one of the most beloved faces in the Resident Evil series. Ever since Resident Evil 2 and later Resident Evil 4, he has been tied to some of the most iconic moments in the franchise.

So when Resident Evil Requiem was first announced with Grace Ashcroft as the lead and no sign of Leon, fans began to ask if he had been left out.

This quiet, almost accidental reveal on the PS Store hits hard because it feels like a secret finally slipping out. The image alone does not tell us how big his role is, but it is enough to confirm that Leon S. Kennedy is in Resident Evil Requiem, even before Capcom’s official trailer reveal at The Game Awards 2025.

The Strange Backstory: Fake Leaks And “Fake News”

Before this art leak, there was another supposed “first look” at Leon: a confidential-looking document showing him with an eyepatch and new design.

That image spread online and led to claims that Leon was not just present, but even the main character of the game.

However, Resident Evil Requiem producer Masato Kumazawa later called those earlier leaks “fake news”, suggesting some were even AI-generated.

He warned fans not to trust unofficial images and said that Grace Ashcroft is the main focus of the game. At that time, Capcom still refused to confirm Leon at all, which made the current PS Store art leak even more dramatic and surprising.

What The Official Info Says About Requiem Itself

From official sources, we know that Resident Evil Requiem (often called Resident Evil 9) is a full mainline game set after Resident Evil Village, with a release date of February 27, 2026.

It stars Grace Ashcroft, an FBI agent sent to investigate mysterious deaths at a hotel, using the RE Engine and returning to classic survival horror roots.

Capcom’s early marketing has been slow and secretive, showing only short clips of combat and setting while holding back many details about the story and returning characters.

The leaked cover art with Leon fits this pattern: the company seems to prefer surprise reveals at big events like Summer Game Fest and The Game Awards, but storefronts and listings sometimes show things earlier than planned.

How The Community Is Reacting To Leon’s Appearance

On social media, the response to Leon’s first clear appearance in Resident Evil Requiem has been a mix of joy, relief, and more questions.

Fans who grew up with him see this as a promise that the game will link back to classic events like Raccoon City and the RE4 era, not just move forward with new characters. Others wonder if Leon will be a full playable character or mainly a story support to Grace.

Some players also remember the producer’s “fake news” comments and are now treating every new “leak” with more caution.

Many are waiting for the next official Resident Evil Requiem trailer to see if Capcom confirms Leon, shows gameplay with him, or even reveals a dual-protagonist structure where the story shifts between Grace Ashcroft and Leon S. Kennedy.

What Leon’s First Look Tells Us About The Game’s Tone

Even from a single image, the first look at Leon in Resident Evil Requiem suggests a tone that balances old and new.

Grace represents the fresh direction: a new agent, new mystery, new personal story while Leon represents history and weight, a man who has lived through multiple outbreaks and carries visible scars, even if he has no eyepatch here.

Capcom has said that Requiem will mix slower, creepy survival horror with high-stakes action. Leon’s presence supports that idea: he is tied to the more action-heavy entries, but he is also a symbol of the series’ emotional core.

Putting him behind Grace in the art feels like a visual promise that the past will support, not erase, the future of the series.

Simple Summary For Newcomers To The Series

If you have never followed Resident Evil before, here is the easy version. Resident Evil Requiem is the next big horror game from Capcom, starring a new hero named Grace Ashcroft.

For weeks, people argued online about whether Leon S. Kennedy, a fan-favorite hero from older games, would appear in it.

Now, new PlayStation Store art shows Grace in front and Leon behind her, older but still himself. This is our real first look at Leon in Requiem, even though Capcom has not officially talked about him yet. Fans are happy to see him again and are waiting for the next trailer to learn how big his role will be.