In some big news for zombie horror fans, it has been confirmed that Resident Evil star Milla Jovovich and Get Out actress Betty Gabriel are set to lead Twilight of the Dead, the next instalment in George A. Romero’s famed Living Dead franchise.
Set to direct the film is directed by Brad Anderson, known for films such as The Machinist, The Call, and Session 9. Production has been scheduled to start in March 2025.
As was first reported by Deadline, Twilight of the Dead comes as the seventh and final chapter in Romero’s iconic zombie series, a legacy that has been monumental in shaping horror cinema. Before his passing in 2017, Romero himself had developed a treatment for the film, intending it to conclude the storyline he began decades earlier. Now, the filmmaker’s estate has partnered with Roundtable, a Los Angeles-based producer and financier, to bring Romero’s vision to the screen. The movie is scheduled to be presented to buyers at the upcoming American Film Market.
Set on a tropical island, Twilight of the Dead follows the last surviving humans as they navigate life amidst warring factions of the undead. The narrative promises to return Jovovich to familiar territory, following her memorable role battling zombies in the successful Resident Evil franchise.
The makeup and special effects will be crafted by Greg Nicotero, a renowned designer and frequent Romero collaborator who began his career with the 1985 film Day of the Dead. Nicotero brings years of experience in zombie cinema, having also worked extensively on The Walking Dead.
Reflecting on the film, Anderson commented, “I see this film in the same way as successful post-apocalyptic thrillers such as I Am Legend, A Quiet Place, The Road, and The Last of Us — genre stories that are as emotional as they are intense.” Anderson recalled his reaction to reading the script, noting, “When I first read Twilight of The Dead, I teared up at the end. Which is weird for a film of this type. But it has that kind of pull, that combo of horror and heartbreak that I love.”
The screenplay is coming from Joe Knetter, Paolo Zelati, and Robert Lucas, based on Romero’s initial treatment. The film also boasts a production team that includes John Baldecchi and Donnelly for Roundtable Entertainment, alongside executive producers Dominic Ianno, Alex Dundas, and others.
Here’s a look back at the trailer for Romero’s 1968 debut Night of the Living Dead, a film often credited with shaping the modern image of zombies in popular culture.
