When Resident Evil 4 Remake launched in 2023, it quickly reminded players why the original 2005 release is regarded as one of the most influential games of all time. From the moment Leon Kennedy steps into the hostile Spanish countryside, the game wastes no time establishing tension, danger, and relentless pacing. However, newly uncovered cut content reveals that Capcom nearly took a very different approach to the opening—one that would have had players begin the game as Ashley Graham rather than Leon.

A Cut “Chapter 0” Featuring Playable Ashley Graham

This unused introduction was uncovered and partially restored by YouTuber Thekempy, who discovered leftover assets hidden within the game’s files. Internally labeled “Chapter 0,” the sequence was designed to take place before Leon’s arrival, allowing players to control Ashley Graham during the moments leading up to her capture.

Unlike the explosive village encounter that opens the final game, this version leaned heavily into atmosphere. There was no combat. Instead, the focus was on cinematic tension, scripted moments, and Ashley fleeing through dark, wooded areas as she attempted to escape the Ganado. The level appears to have functioned as a narrative-driven prologue, gradually introducing movement and basic controls while building unease rather than adrenaline.

Although the full sequence cannot be restored, players can still explore the environment while controlling Ashley, and several unused running animations remain intact. Missing elements include enemy encounters, cutscenes, and scripted scares, suggesting the intro was removed relatively late in development rather than abandoned early on.

Evidence From the Announcement Trailer

Footage of this cut Ashley prologue can also be spotted in the Resident Evil 4 Remake announcement trailer released in June 2022. Scenes showing Ashley running through a forest closely match the restored environment revealed by Thekempy. This strongly indicates that the prologue was originally planned for the final game before being cut closer to release.

Late-stage removals like this are often driven by pacing concerns, playtesting feedback, or narrative restructuring. Given how polished the final game feels, it’s clear this was a deliberate design decision rather than unfinished content slipping through the cracks.

Why Capcom Likely Removed the Ashley Intro

While Capcom has never officially commented on the cut, the reasoning becomes clearer when considering how Resident Evil 4 is structured. The opening village sequence is one of the most iconic introductions in gaming, immediately throwing players into chaos and forcing them to adapt under pressure. Preserving that impact was likely a top priority.

From a gameplay standpoint, starting with a slow, non-combat prologue could have disrupted the game’s momentum, particularly on repeat playthroughs. Resident Evil titles are built for replayability, and long, cinematic-heavy openings often become tedious over time. As one commenter on Thekempy’s video noted, the Ashley intro may have strengthened the narrative, but removing it allowed players to reach the core gameplay much faster.

That said, the prologue could have provided additional story context, particularly explaining Ashley’s fearful and aggressive reaction when she later encounters Leon. Its absence slightly weakens narrative continuity, even as it strengthens pacing and replay flow.

Resident Evil 4’s Continued Evolution

The discovery of this cut content highlights how much experimentation went into Resident Evil 4 Remake. Capcom didn’t simply recreate the original—it reimagined it. The remake deepened Leon and Ashley’s relationship, overhauled Ashley’s AI to remove frustrating escort mechanics, and modernized combat while preserving the franchise’s survival horror identity.

Even after release, the game continues to evolve through community-driven creativity. PC modders have introduced full first-person modes and other gameplay tweaks, offering new ways to experience familiar encounters. For many fans, revisiting the game through mods or upgraded hardware is reason enough to pick up an Xbox Live Key and return to Leon’s nightmare.

Looking Ahead to the Future of the Franchise

With Resident Evil Requiem set to launch next month and Leon Kennedy confirmed as a playable character, excitement around the franchise is reaching new heights. As the ninth mainline entry, the game faces enormous expectations following the critical and commercial success of recent remakes.

Beyond that release, speculation about what comes next is already widespread. A Resident Evil 5 remake feels increasingly likely, and if Capcom applies the same care, ambition, and respect for the source material seen in Resident Evil 4 Remake, it could become another standout entry. In anticipation of future releases and expansions, many players are already setting aside Xbox Gift Cards.

Conclusion

While beginning Resident Evil 4 Remake as Ashley Graham would have been an intriguing narrative twist, cutting the prologue was likely the right decision. The final opening is sharp, instantly memorable, and optimized for repeat playthroughs—key reasons why the game became the fastest-selling entry in the franchise.

The recovered “Chapter 0” now stands as a fascinating piece of Resident Evil history, offering insight into an alternate vision that nearly made it into the final release. More importantly, it reinforces why the finished game works so well. Sometimes, the most effective design choice is knowing what to leave behind.