The Return of the Living Dead will celebrate its 40th anniversary this August. Despite being released in a year filled with excellent horror movies (including George A. Romero’s Day of the Dead), the ROTLD fanbase has only grown. The film’s ’80s punk aesthetic, killer soundtrack, fantastic practical effects, and terrific cast cement it as a bonafide cult classic. The film is also notable for changing zombie lore forever by introducing the brain-eating element into pop culture.
Ernie Kaltenbrunner: “Eating brains…how does that make you feel?”
Half-Corpse Zombie: “It makes the pain go away!”
To many fans’ delight, two upcoming releases will return us to the ROTLD universe. One of these is Return of the Living Dead. Let’s dive into everything we know so far.
Note: This article will be updated as the official trailer and other details are released.
The Plot
The original 1985 film ended with a military-ordered nuclear strike in Louisville, Kentucky, which was intended to put an end to the zombie outbreak. However, we know this wasn’t the case. As the credits roll, we hear the ominous sounds of the undead. It was also followed by four sequels: Return of the Living Dead Part II (1988), Return of the Living Dead 3 (1993), Return of the Living Dead: Necropolis (2005), and Return of the Living Dead: Rave to the Grave (2005).
According to production company Living Dead Media, this new installment “is not a reboot or remake, but a brand-new adventure.” Set in Pennsylvania, the film takes place 18 months after the first film concludes. The official synopsis states:
“A new Trioxin leak kicks off a zombie outbreak in a quiet Pennsylvania town. If surviving a zombie outbreak isn’t bad enough, the new characters will also have to contend with blizzard conditions.”
Cast & Crew
Steve Wolsh (Kill Her Goats), the CEO of Living Dead Media, will write and direct the film.
Tony Gardner, who began his special effects career on the original film set, has returned to the franchise. As the creator of the original Half-Corpse zombie, he and his Alterian, Inc. team have been working to bring the iconic Tarman back to (undead) life. With Gardner and co. on board, the film promises all practical FX and no CGI.
Return of the Living Dead Part II and Part 3 storyboard artist Pete von Sholly also returns to the franchise in this new installment.
Stay tuned for additional cast and crew announcements.
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How to Watch Return of the Living Dead
WithAnO Productions will release the film in theaters this Christmastime.
The Trailer
While there isn’t an official trailer yet, a teaser featuring Tarman was unveiled in December 2024.