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Army of the Dead (franchise)

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Army of the Dead
Based on
The Living Dead franchise
by
Distributed by
Release date
2004–present
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

The Army of the Dead franchise consists of American zombie-action horror installments, which serve as a spiritual sequal too the 2004 re-imagining of Dawn of the Dead (1978). The franchise consists of a streaming release movie that was also released in theaters for a limited time, with future releases in various degrees of development.

The first film,[1] described by the filmmaker as a "spiritual sequel",[2] was stuck in development hell for a number of years until Netflix acquired the distribution rights from Universal and Warner Bros. Pictures; the film was released in 2021.

The franchise will continue with a prequel film, and an anime-styled television series; both of which are in various stages of production.

Development

Origin

Plans to remake George A. Romero's 1978 cult horror film Dawn of the Dead were conceived by producer Eric Newman.[3] A fan of the original film, Newman asked Strike Entertainment's Marc Abraham to produce the remake with him, to which Abraham agreed. He and Abraham secured the rights to the film after it was handed over by Richard P. Rubinstein, the original's producer.[3] Rubinstein stated that he finally agreed to grant the rights after several years because he was worried "that somewhere along the way a studio would sanitize Newman's vision for producing a version with 'attitude'", as Romero's film was independently produced. In addition, the producer was impressed by Abraham's "long track record in keeping the creative integrity of the studio distributed films he has produced intact".[3]

Newman and Abraham said that the new Dawn of the Dead is more of a "re-envisioning" of Romero's film which is geared toward younger audiences who had not seen the original. Newman stated that the production's goal is "to make the old fans happy and make a lot of new fans. Because that's the only reason we are doing it." He cited his favorite classic horror films Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978), The Thing (1982), and The Fly (1986) as cinematic influences, explaining that these had "some amazing updates" which "add to rather than diminish the original films".[3] In search of a screenwriter, Rubinstein hired James Gunn, an avid fan of the original, who began writing a draft. Michael Tolkin and Scott Frank did some uncredited work on Gunn's script. Rubinstein stated that Tolkin further developed the characters while Frank provided some of the bigger, upbeat action scenes.[4] Director Zack Snyder was hired making this film his directorial debut, additionally he storyboarded the film extensively.

Production

In June 2008, after the financial and critical successes of Dawn of the Dead, a sequel was announced to be in development. Matthijs van Heijningen Jr. signed on as director, with a script from Joby Harold, based on an original story by Zack Snyder. The plot centers around a father, who is determined to save his daughter from a quarantined and zombie-infested Las Vegas. Snyder described the film as a zombie movie on a larger scale. The project was scheduled to be a co-production between Universal Pictures and Warner Bros. Pictures.[5] The film remained in development hell for a number of years, with Snyder later reporting that the studios involved "didn't want to spend that kind of money on a zombie movie, or just didn't take it that seriously."[6]

By January 2019, Netflix acquired the distribution rights to the project from Universal and Warner Bros. with Zack Snyder returning as director. The filmmaker also serves as co-screenwriter with Shay Hatten, based on the story treatment previously written by Snyder and Joby Harold.[7] Snyder stated that Dawn of the Dead is "a zombie movie...all the way with all of [the] tropes of the genre", stating: "I started to think of what were other genres that story didn't have room for." After having a meeting with Scott Stuber, head of original films at Netflix, Stuber signed on to produce the project immediately.[6] Described as a spiritual successor and standalone sequel to the previous film, Army of the Dead is designed as a franchise launcher.[8][9][10] The studio liked the concept enough to also green-light a four-hour anime-styled animated prequel television series, as well as a prequel film.[6] The film commenced principal photography in mid-2019, with a reported budget of $90 million. The film is scheduled to be released on May 21, 2021.[7][11]

In September 2020, an Army of the Dead prequel film was announced as being in development. The story involves several characters from the first film, with events taking place prior to the events of the previous installment. Matthias Schweighöfer reprised his role from the previous film with the plot centered around his character. In addition to co-starring, he served as director, and co-producer. Shay Hatten who co-wrote the script for the previous movie, returned as screenwriter. Additional producers include Zack Snyder, Deborah Snyder, Wesley Coller, and Dan Maag. The project was a joint-venture production between The Stone Quarry, Pantaleon Films, and Netflix Original Films.[12]

By December 2020 filming had wrapped with the working title of, "Army of the Dead: The Prequel".[13] By April of 2021, it was revealed that the official title of the movie will be Army of Thieves.[14]

Films

Film U.S.
release date 		Director Screenwriter(s) Story by Producers Status
Army of the Dead May 21, 2021 (2021-05-21) Zack Snyder Zack Snyder & Shay Hatten and Joby Harold Zack Snyder Deborah Snyder, Wesley Coller and Zack Snyder Released
Army of Thieves TBA Matthias Schweighöfer Shay Hatten Zack Snyder & Shay Hatten Deborah Snyder, Zack Snyder, Wesley Coller, Matthias Schweighöfer and Dan Maag Post-production

Army of the Dead (2021)

Main article: Army of the Dead

As U.S. military convoy makes its way en route from Area 51 with a transfer of a top secret government-weapon, bioengineered through experimentation with extraterrestrial DNA,[15] breaks free and quickly destroys everything in its path. As it attacks the military personnel, it passes on an infection rapidly spreads a disease that overtakes Las Vegas, Nevada. Some time thereafter, the U.S. government quarantines the surrounding area with plans for a tactical nuclear air strike to wipe the outbreak of walking dead from the Earth before it spreads. As the scheduled day draws near, a weathly owner of a casino on the Strip hires a small group of mercenaries to infiltrate the infestation and pull off a dangerous heist and retrieve all the cash stored in the vault his establishment, before time runs out. In return the team can keep a percentage of the funds.

As they work together to complete the mission, they discover an evolved-form of zombies. These "alphas" who were directly infected from the original Area 51 experiment are smarter, stronger, faster, and organized. A scene featuring a news article references events which transpired in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.[16][17] Jointly the team struggles in a race against the clock to retrieve the money, rescue family members who have been taken hostage by the alpha zombies, and fight off the living dead.[18]

Army of Thieves (TBA)

Main article: Army of Thieves

In September 2020, Netflix announced plans to expant Army of the Dead into various other properties. A prequel film was announced to be in development under the working title of "Army of the Dead: The Prequel". In addition to reprising his role from the previous film, Matthias Schweighöfer served as director. Shay Hatten returns to the franchise as screenwriter, from an original story co-written by Zack Snyder and Hatten. The plot centers around Schweighöfer's character and the earliest days of the zombie outbreak.[19]

Principal photography took place in Germany and wrapped in December 2020.[20] In 2021, the film was officially titled Army of Thieves.[21] On June 7 on the first day of Netflix Geeked Week Deborah Snyder revealed that hopefully Army of Thieves will be released in fall of 2021. [22]

Potential sequel

In May 2021, Zack Snyder stated that he and Shay Hatten have the story for a sequel film planned. The filmmaker elaborated that should the project be green-lit, the plot will include the events teased at the end of Army of the Dead with Omari Hardwick's Vanderoh character becoming the new alpha zombie, and the perilous outbreak that follow when he arrives in Mexico.[1][23] Snyder confirmed that Easter eggs were purposefully placed for world-building to be included in future installments of the franchise including a potential sequel; some of which include: the fact that Area 51's shipment of Zeus the alpha being sent to Iran, time loops, robot zombies, as well as undead's abilities to breed. Snyder described the film as "insane".[24][1]

Short films

Title U.S.
release date 		Director Screenwriter(s) Story by Producers
Guzman of the Dead 420 June 4, 2021 (2021-06-04) Zack Snyder Zack Snyder & Shay Hatten
and Joby Harold 		Zack Snyder Deborah Snyder, Wesley Coller and Zack Snyder

Guzman of the Dead 420 (2021)

A prequel short film released as a compilation of the in-universe YouTube videos where Guzman goes hunting zombies. The short was released on June 4, 2021 exclusively on Netflix Film Club's YouTube channel.[25]

Television

SeriesSeasonEpisodesOriginally releasedNetworkShowrunnerDirector(s)ScreenwriterExecutive Producer(s)Status
Army of the Dead: Lost Vegas16TBATBANetflixJay OlivaZack Snyder and Jay OlivaShay HattenZack Snyder, Deborah Snyder, Wesley Coller, Jay Oliva and Shay HattenIn production

Army of the Dead: Lost Vegas

Main article: Army of the Dead: Lost Vegas

In September 2020, an anime prequel-television series titled Army of the Dead: Lost Vegas, was announced to be in development as an exclusive streaming release for Netflix. Zack Snyder will direct two of the episodes and serve as a co-executive producer on the project, while Jay Oliva will serve as showrunner and one of the directors for the series. The series will be a joint-venture production between The Stone Quarry, Stone Quarry Animation, Meduzarts Animation Studios, and Netflix Original Series.[12][26]

The following month, Deborah Snyder, Wesley Coller, Jay Oliva, and Shay Hatten were named as additional executive producers.[27] Zack Snyder later stated that production is slated to last until March 2022.[1]

Main cast and characters

List indicators

This section includes characters who will appear or have appeared in more than two films in the series.

  • An empty, dark grey cell indicates the character was not in the film, or that the character's official presence has not yet been confirmed.
  •  V indicates a voice-only role.
Character Films Short films Television
Army of the Dead Army of Thieves Guzman of the Dead 420 Army of the Dead:
Lost Vegas
Scott Ward Dave Bautista Dave BautistaV
Kate Ward Ella Purnell Ella PurnellV
Maria Cruz Ana de la Reguera Ana de la RegueraV
Vanderohe Omari Hardwick Omari HardwickV
Marianne Peters Tig Notaro Tig NotaroV
Ludwig Dieter Matthias Schweighöfer
Mikey Guzman Raúl Castillo Raúl Castillo
Chambers Samantha Win
Lily "The Coyote" Nora Arnezeder
Bly Tanaka Hiroyuki Sanada
Martin Garret Dillahunt
Burt Cummings Theo Rossi
Richards
Zeus the King / Alpha Zombie[28] 		Richard Cetrone Appearing[29]
The Queen Athena Perample Appearing
Rose Joe ManganielloV
Torrance Christian SlaterV
Boorman Harry LennixV
Chen Ross ButlerV
Lucilia Anya ChalotraV
Willow Vanessa HudgensV
Queen Meeru Yetide BadakiV
Nicole Christina WrenV
Meagan Monica BarbaroV
Zeta Jena MaloneV
Clemenson Nolan NorthV

Additional crew and production details

Title Crew/Detail
Composer Cinematographer Editor Production
companies 		Distributing
company 		Running time
Dawn of the Dead Tyler Bates Matthew F. Leonetti Niven Howie Strike Entertainment,
New Amsterdam Entertainment,
Metropolitan Filmexport,
Toho-Towa Co. Ltd. 		Universal Pictures 100 minutes
Unrated Director's Cut:
109 minutes
Army of the Dead Tom Holkenborg Zack Snyder Dody Dorn The Stone Quarry,
Netflix Original Films 		Netflix 148 minutes
Guzman of the Dead 420 YouTube 5 minutes
Army of Thieves Bernhard Jasper Alexander Berner The Stone Quarry,
Pantaleon Films,
Netflix Original Films 		Netflix TBA
Army of the Dead:
Lost Vegas 		TBA TBA The Stone Quarry,
Netflix Animation,
Meduzarts Animation Studio,
Netflix Original Series 		TBA

Reception

For more details on the reception of each film, see the "Reception" section on each film's article.

Critical and public response

Film Rotten Tomatoes Metacritic CinemaScore
Dawn of the Dead 76% (193 reviews)[30] 59/100 (37 reviews)[31] B[32]
Army of the Dead 68% (246 reviews)[33] 57/100 (43 reviews)[34] TBD
Guzman of the Dead 420 TBD TBD TBD
Army of Thieves TBD TBD TBD
Army of the Dead: Lost Vegas TBD TBD TBD
Film U.S.
release date 		Director Screenwriter(s) Story by Producers Status
Dawn of the Dead March 19, 2004 (2004-03-19) Zack Snyder James Gunn Richard P. Rubinstein, Marc Abraham and Eric Newman
Dawn of the Dead (2004)
Main article: Dawn of the Dead (2004 film)

During a sudden zombie outbreak in Milwakee, Wisconsin, a small group of survivors takes refuge in a shopping center. As the plague quickly spreads worldwide, together the team fights to protect their haven within the mall, by keeping the walking dead out of the premises. As they struggle to maintain the peace, they devise a plan to escape to a sterile safe-zone, all while fighting off the contagious flesh-eating undead.[35]

In other media

  • Creating an Army of the Dead: A 28 minute long documentary on making of Army of the Dead was released simultaneously alongside the film, on Netflix.
  • How to make Movies: Snyder School: Is a documentary styled mini-web series released on YouTube, where Zack Snyder discusses specific aspects of his films. Featured throughout the mini-series are details about Army of the Dead. The first episode out of four premiered on May 24 2021 on Netflix Film Club YouTube channel and details the making of the film's title sequences. The second episode was released on May 27 and is about cinematography. The third episode was released on June 1 and is about editing. The last episode released on June 7 and is about World building.
  • Army of the Dead: A Film by Zack Snyder: The Making of the Film: A behind-the-scenes book, released on June 1, 2021 by Titan Books. There will also be a limited edition with additional content and Snyder's signature. [ISBN missing]
  • Army of the Dead - Viva Las Vengeance: VR Experience: it's a tour around the world taking place in the early stages of the Zombie Outbreak.[36]
  • Army of the Dead: The Vader Cut: is a short film released at the conclusion of the first day of Netflix Geeked Week. The short is 21 minutes long and it's about group of friends trying to survive the zombie apocalypse caused by the release of Army of the Dead on Netflix. It's also the 3rd episode of Netflix' web series Netflix Dreams.
  • Army of the Dead: A Zombicide Game: In May 2021, CMON Limited announced a board game in the Zombiecide series will be released, and will be based on the film.

Soundtracks

Army of the Dead (Music from the Netflix Film)

The soundtrack composed by Thomas Holkenborg, was released digitally.[37] A release on vinyl is scheduled late 2021.[38]

References

  1. ^ a b c d Sintamuang, Kevin (May 21, 2021). "Zack Snyder Tells Us Where Zombie Babies Come From in Army of the Dead". Esquire. Retrieved May 22, 2021.
  2. ^ Lattanzio, Ryan (February 21, 2021). "Army of the Dead | New Look: Zack Snyder's Zombie Outbreak Epic Hits Netflix in May". The Indie Wire. Retrieved May 19, 2021.
  3. ^ a b c d "Dawn of the Dead - Production Notes". Media Atlantis. Universal Pictures. Retrieved May 15, 2018.
  4. ^ Dawn of the Dead: Ultimate Edition (Disc 2: Extended Version) (audio commentary). Starz/Anchor Bay. {{cite AV media notes}}: Unknown parameter |people= ignored (help)
  5. ^ Sciretta, Peter (June 4, 2008). "Matthijs van Heijningen set to direct "Army of the Dead"". Slash Film.
  6. ^ a b c January 6, 2021. "Zack Snyder reveals a first look at his zombie heist Netflix movie Army of the Dead". Entertainment Tonight. Retrieved February 14, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  7. ^ a b Kit, Borys (January 29, 2019). "Zack Snyder Returning to Movies With Zombie Action Pic 'Army of the Dead' (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved February 12, 2019.
  8. ^ Lattanzio, Ryan (February 21, 2021). "'Army of the Dead' New Look: Zack Snyder's Zombie Outbreak Epic Hits Netflix in May". Indie Wire. Retrieved March 9, 2021.
  9. ^ Chanda, Neeraj (November 17, 2020). "Netflix's Army of the Dead Zombies Are 90% Practical Promises Zack Snyder". MovieWeb. Retrieved March 9, 2021.
  10. ^ Pearson, Ben (December 23, 2020). "Zack Snyder's 'Army of the Dead' Prequel Movie Has Already Wrapped Filming". Slash Film. Retrieved March 9, 2021.
  11. ^ Miska, Brad (21 February 2021). "Zack Snyder's 'Army of the Dead' Shambles to Netflix on May 21st! [Poster]". Bloody-Disgusting. Retrieved 1 March 2021.
  12. ^ a b McNary, Dave (September 3, 2020). "Zack Snyder's 'Army of the Dead' Gets Prequel Film, Anime Series at Netflix". Variety. Retrieved October 3, 2020.
  13. ^ Chitwood, Adam (December 23, 2020). "Zack Snyder Reveals 'Army of the Dead' Prequel Cast as Filming Wraps on Netflix Zombie Movie". Collider. Retrieved December 23, 2020.
  14. ^ Guttman, Graeme (April 13, 2021). "Army of the Dead Prequel Movie Title Confirmed As Army Of Thieves". Screen Rant. Retrieved April 13, 2021.
  15. ^ Stevenson, Rick (April 21, 2021). "Army of the Dead Producers Explain Zack Snyder's Alpha Zombies". Screen Rant. Retrieved May 21, 2021.
  16. ^ Shaw-Williams, Hannah (May 26, 2021). "Army Of The Dead Easter Egg Hints At Dawn Of The Dead Shared Universe". Screen Rant. Retrieved May 28, 2021.
  17. ^ Edwards, Molly (May 24, 2021). "Army of the Dead Easter egg hints at Dawn of the Dead connection". News Break. Retrieved May 25, 2021.
  18. ^ Gleiberman, Owen (May 11, 2021). "'Army of the Dead' Review: Zack Snyder's Zombies in Vegas Heist Thriller Is an Epic Meat-and-Potatoes Undead Flick". Variety. Retrieved May 21, 2021.
  19. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (2020-09-03). "Zack Snyder Netflix Zombie Pic 'Army Of The Dead' Spawning Film Prequel & Anime Series". Deadline. Retrieved 2020-09-03.
  20. ^ Pearson, Ben (December 23, 2020). "Zack Snyder's 'Army of the Dead' Prequel Movie Has Already Wrapped Filming". Slash Film. Retrieved May 21, 2021.
  21. ^ Guttmann, Grame (April 13, 2021). "Army of the Dead Prequel Movie Title Confirmed As Army Of Thieves". Screen Rant. Retrieved April 13, 2021.
  22. ^ https://www.whats-on-netflix.com/news/netflix-geeked-week-day-1-summary-shadow-and-bone-army-of-thieves-and-more/
  23. ^ Erbland, Kate (May 22, 2021). "What's Next for 'Army of the Dead': 'Italian Job'-Esque Prequel, an Anime Series, and Maybe a Sequel". Indie Wire. Retrieved May 22, 2021.
  24. ^ Patches, Matt (May 21, 2021). "Zack Snyder has an 'insane' idea for Army of the Dead 2". Polygon. Retrieved May 21, 2021.
  25. ^ Geharty, Tasha (June 4, 2021). "Netflix releases Army of the Dead spin off". Digital Spy. Retrieved June 4, 2021.
  26. ^ Petski, Denise (July 11, 2019). "Zack Snyder & Jay Oliva Set Norse Mythology Anime Series At Netflix". Deadline. Retrieved October 3, 2020.
  27. ^ del Rosario, Alexandra (October 1, 2020). "'Army Of The Dead: Lost Vegas': Netflix Anime Series Adds Joe Manganiello, Christian Slater, Vanessa Hudgens & More". Deadline. Retrieved October 3, 2020.
  28. ^ Cine Dope Staff (May 24, 2021). "Zack Snyder Talks about Alpha Zombie Zeus' Origin and Prequel". Cine Dope. Retrieved May 28, 2021.
  29. ^ Erbland, Kate (May 21, 2021). "What's Next for 'Army of the Dead': 'Italian Job'-Esque Prequel, an Anime Series, and Maybe a Sequel". Indie Wire. Retrieved May 21, 2021.
  30. ^ "Dawn of the Dead (2004)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved 28 May 2021.
  31. ^ "Dawn of the Dead (2004)". Metacritic. Retrieved 27 January 2021.
  32. ^ "Cinemascore". Retrieved 27 January 2021.
  33. ^ "Army of the Dead (2021)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved 30 May 2021.
  34. ^ "Army of the Dead (2021)". Metacritic. Retrieved 30 May 2021.
  35. ^ Foudas, Scott (March 18, 2004). "Dawn of the Dead". Variety. Retrieved May 21, 2021.
  36. ^ "Army of the Dead - Viva Las Vengeance: A VR Experience". ArmyoftheDeadVR.com.
  37. ^ Anna Menta (May 24, 2021). "The 'Army of the Dead' Soundtrack Is Consistently Perfect". Decider.
  38. ^ "Army of the Dead". Waxwork Records.

Template:Army of the Dead


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