Return of the Living Dead
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Taking place 18 months after the events of the first movie, a new Trioxin leak kicks off a zombie outbreak in a quiet Pennsylvania town and if surviving a zombie outbreak isn't hard enough, the new characters will have to also contend with blizzard conditions. Next Christmas, it's Tarman who will be coming to town.
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A recent update on the project detailed that filming is still ongoing into the new year, with a new release now aimed for November 2026. Additionally, a 13-minute sneak peek of the film was also screened to fans recently, which reportedly received some positive reactions. (12/30/25)
Filming has completed in the Los Angeles portion of production "with principal photography scheduled to continue this winter in Massachusetts once there’s a baseline of snow on the ground to aid with practical effects. Additional casting is expected." (10/2/25)
Devon Sawa plays "Isaac Horton."
Casimere Jollette plays "Delilah Horton."
Kynlee Heiman plays "Sophia Horton."
Alexander Ward (a veteran actor and stunt performer) will play the iconic Tarman.
It seems that the lawsuit in the previous update didn't affect production, as an announcement teaser was shot and released (seen below), indicating that the movie is aimed to be released theatrically next Christmas. (12/13/24)
A recent development has emerged in the form of a lawsuit over the intellectual property rights to the ROTLD name. Living Dead Media LLC reportedly owns the copyright of the original screenplay and the underlying script for the film, as well as other trademarks related to ROTLD. They are apparently suing the recently formed ROTLD Originals LLC, stating that they have no rights, title, or interest in the original film. You can read more about it here. It's currently unknown how the lawsuit will affect this reboot, which seemingly hasn't received an update since it was announced over a year ago. (8/9/24)
It's said that the movie will be "completely free of CGI."
Special FX veteran Tony Gardner (original ROTLD, Hocus Pocus, Zombieland, Seed of Chucky) will reportedly craft a "terrifying new Tarman using modern techniques to make an all practical costume to custom fit the actor, while taking great inspiration from the original 1985 design."
Produced, written, and directed by Steve Wolsh (Muck, Kill Her Goats).
The producers were quoted saying: "We are excited to resurrect this storied franchise for current fans and new generations of zombie fans."
The movie is said to "expand the existing world created by the original 5 films, while staying true to the R-rated, sci-fi, horror, dark comedy roots adored by fans of the cult classic around the world for the last 35 years."
The original would go on to spawn four sequels, with the last two airing on TV as Sci-Fi Channel originals.
This is reportedly a sequel to the original movie and takes place before the previous sequels.