The PlayStation Store has leaked key artwork for Resident Evil 9: Requiem that confirms Leon S. Kennedy as a central character in the upcoming game. The image appeared on the pre-order download page for users who purchased the game digitally on PlayStation.
The artwork shows new protagonist Grace Ashford in the foreground with an older Leon standing prominently behind her. Multiple users independently verified the image on their own PlayStation accounts before it began circulating online.
Leon’s updated design reflects his age in the game’s modern-day setting. He appears to be in his late 40s or early 50s, sporting light facial hair and visible wear on his face. His signature hairstyle remains intact, though aged. His outfit resembles a darker take on his classic Resident Evil 4 jacket.
The leak comes roughly 48 hours before The Game Awards, where Capcom is expected to debut a new Resident Evil trailer. The timing strongly suggests Sony published promotional materials ahead of schedule, undermining what was likely planned as a major character reveal.
This marks Leon’s first appearance in a new mainline story since Resident Evil 6 in 2012. While he appeared in the Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 4 remakes, those retold existing stories. He was 36 years old during the events of Resident Evil 6.
The artwork’s composition suggests a dual-protagonist structure similar to earlier Resident Evil games. Grace remains the face of marketing as the new lead, while Leon appears positioned as either a co-protagonist or major supporting character.
Sony keeps spoiling game reveals
Long-running rumors about Resident Evil 9 have claimed Leon would return alongside Grace, with the game set in or around Raccoon City where his story began. The leaked artwork strongly supports those claims.
Digital storefronts have become a regular source of early leaks this generation. Both PlayStation and Xbox have accidentally published character reveals, release dates, and other details ahead of official announcements.
