Living Dead Media has officially announced a fresh new visit to the Return Of The Living Dead universe, which is set to hit theaters next year! It’s appropriate, too, because 2025 will mark the 40th anniversary of the release of the 1985 cult classic that crafted a new kind of brain-hungry zombie. For the first look at the new film, we’re excited to share an official teaser featuring the iconic Tarman dragging a stolen Christmas tree through a cemetery. Happy holidays, indeed.
The original film was the brainchild of writer/director Dan O’Bannon and producer Tom Fox, who eventually went on to produce all five films in the franchise. Though there hasn’t been a film in the series since Fox’s death, the producer’s family entrusted indie horror filmmaker Steve Wolsh (Fog City, Kill Her Goats) to steward the franchise forward. Fox’s son, Christopher W. Fox, will serve as Executive Producer of the new Return Of The Living Dead.
What To Expect
The filmmakers have teased that the new story takes place in a small Pennsylvania town over Christmas, set in 1985, 18 months after the events of the original film. Fans know not to expect any returning characters, given their terrible fates in the original Return Of The Living Dead. According to Wolsh, this is not a reboot or a remake, but a brand-new adventure. Audiences can expect to be welcomed back into the dark-humored, Trioxin-fueled world horror fans first encountered in 1985.
The Power of Practical Effects
As the director, Wolsh fought for his Return of the Living Dead to be one of the most ambitious, expansive films ever made that will be completely free of CGI. This can be seen in the first teaser clip, which was by design. It was important to Wolsh to announce the new story by giving audiences a little taste of the look and feel of what’s coming. “Utilizing our widescreen anamorphic lenses, we captured the practical snow effects swirling against the night sky that gives it an amazing look and texture,” said Wolsh. “It’s going to blow people away seeing an entire film made like this.”
The production has called in SFX legend Tony Gardner (the Chucky franchise) to establish the zombie look for the story. It’s a great fit seeing as Gardner’s big feature debut was back in 1985, where he created the half-corpse zombie effect for the first film. Tony and his team at Altertian Inc. were first tasked with creating a Tarman true to the original. However, their design evolved into something more realistic and scarier. Gardner said, “[To be able to] up the horror, but be true to its roots, I feel like I’m the perfect person for the job… and I’m really excited.”
Visit returnofthelivingdead.com for more including exclusive behind-the-scenes clips and follow @officialreturnofthelivingdead on Instagram for updates.
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