Zack Snyder’s much-anticipated zombie action movie Army of the Dead has been in the works for many years, but it finally arrives in May and it is foregoing theaters altogether for a streaming release. You’ll be able to watch it on Netflix.
Snyder made his directing debut in 2004 with his remake of George Romero’s zombie classic Dawn of the Dead. But while he moved onto the hit Frank Miller adaptation 300 next, the filmmaker planned to return to the world of the undead soon after, and Army of the Dead was announced in 2007. At that stage Snyder was only planning to co-write and produce, with Matthijs van Heijningen Jr. hired as director. Unfortunately the movie didn’t happen–in 2011, Heijningen Jr explained that while it came close to shooting, financing fell through before production could start.
The project sat dormant for a decade, while Snyder went on to make movies such as Watchmen, Man of Steel, and Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice. But in January 2019, it was announced that Netflix had picked up the project from Warner, and the movie finally started shooting in the summer of that year. With the film now set for release in a few months, here’s everything we know so far about Army of the Dead.
When will Army of the Dead be released?
The movie will hit Netflix on May 21, 2021.
Is there a trailer?
The first teaser for Army of the Dead was released in February. It’s short and doesn’t contain much in the way of dialogue or plot, but it gives a taste of the epic action the film seems set to deliver.
Who’s in the cast?
Army of the Dead features an ensemble cast that mixes established names with up-and-coming stars. The main actors are:
- Dave Bautista (Guardians of the Galaxy)
- Ella Purnell (Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children)
- Ana de la Reguera (Eastbound & Down)
- Matthias Schweighöfer (Valkyrie)
- Nora Arnezeder (Mozart in the Jungle)
- Hiroyuki Sanada (the upcoming Mortal Kombat)
- Raúl Castillo (Knives Out)
- Michael Cassidy (The O.C.)
- Garret Dillahunt (Fear the Walking Dead)
- Omari Hardwick (Kick-Ass)
- Tig Notaro (Star Trek: Discovery)
- Samantha Win (Man of Steel)
Notaro was not part of the cast when the film was in production. Her character was played by comedian Chris D’Elia, but following multiple accusations of sexual misconduct, the decision was made to remove him from the movie and recast the role. Notaro shot her scenes against a greenscreen and has been inserted into the film.
Who’s the writer?
The script for Army of the Dead is credited to Snyder, Shay Hatten (John Wick 3), and Joby Harold (King Arthur: Legend of the Sword). Harold wrote the film’s first draft back in 2007, based on Snyder’s initial story idea. But the movie wouldn’t be made for over a decade, and in 2019, Hatten was hired to rewrite Harold’s script.
What’s the plot?
Army of the Dead is set in the aftermath of a zombie outbreak in Las Vegas. The movie focuses on a group of mercenaries who venture into the quarantine zone to pull off an extremely dangerous heist on a casino. The trailer gives an idea about just how overrun Vegas is, with thousands of zombies swarming the streets of the city.
Will there be more movies?
Army of the Dead is only the start of what Netflix hopes will be an ongoing franchise. The company is making an animated spin-off titled Army of the Dead: Lost Vegas, with a voice cast that includes Christian Slater, Joe Manganiello, Vanessa Hudgens, and Jena Malone. There’s also a prequel movie on the way, which has already been shot. It’s imaginatively titled Army of the Dead: The Prequel and is written by Hatten and directed by Matthias Schweighöfer, one of the actors in the first film. It was shot in Germany last year, and wrapped photography in December. Neither the animated show nor the prequel movie hasa release date yet.
