Resident Evil Requiem fans are excited about Leon's new look

Capcom's worst secret was finally revealed at The Game Awards, with Leon S. Kennedy confirmed as a co-protagonist in the upcoming Resident Evil Requiem alongside newcomer Grace Ashcroft.

Leon is approximately 51 years old at the time of the Requiem event, making him look noticeably older than his last series appearance in Resident Evil 6. However, the years have clearly been kind to Leon, as his new look has proven to be very popular with both Japanese and international fans.

Himbo Renaissance

In a thread about Leon's revelations, Temporary_Round555 said, “He looks messy yet clean. Damn, he cooked.” Leon is arguably the most popular protagonist in the series' history, but his inclusion in Requiem serves a purpose beyond fan service. Leon has experienced many of the various biological horrors of the Resident Evil setting, giving him experience and fearlessness, two qualities that Requiem's other main character, Grace, lacks. The pair complement each other.

“We had daddy Chris and now we have daddy Leon,” EmilioTremaine wrote. Chris Redfield played the cunning support veteran in Resident Evil 7 and Village. This is the role that Leon fills in for Grace in Requiem.

“You are just as beautiful as the last day I saw you,” said CrazyFreakAdro. Kennedy's fashion sense was also praised, and several commenters wanted to know where the federal agent got his coat.

In Resident Evil Requiem, Leon is sitting in his car.

In Japan, Leon is called ‘Ikeoji’. This essentially means 'attractive middle-aged man', which is exactly what Capcom was going for with the character design in Requiem (thanks, Automaton).

Hanagili_0906 wrote, “He's not the fresh, youthful hot guy he was in Resident Evil 4. He's a seasoned Ikeji now! This Leon is hot in his own way, too.”

Resident Evil 2 director Hideki Kamiya also shared his thoughts on the reveal, lamenting how beloved game characters are growing up like everyone else in the real world.

thegameawards-2025-12-12-14620.200-1080p-streamshot

relevant

Resident Evil Requiem finally acknowledges that Leon Kennedy will appear in the game

finally.

“It’s somewhat surprising that Leon, Dante, and Ryu are becoming older nerds by the day,” Kamiya wrote. “Uncle Leon, I hope you live happily even in your old age.”

I think we're all hoping for a happy ending for Leon. But how much more impossible can our bitter hero overcome?