Zack Snyder’s new zombie action movieArmy of the Deaddoesn’t hit Netflix until next year, but the streamer has already begun developing a multi-language prequel and an anime series, Netflix announced on Wednesday.
Army of the Deadfollows a group of mercenaries who attempt to pull off the greatest heist ever attempted in the middle of a zombie outbreak in Las Vegas. The film boasts a cool international ensemble led byDave Bautista, and the international prequel — which sources say has been in the works for several months — will be directed by German actorMatthias Schweighöfer, and will follow hisArmy of the Deadcharacter Ludwig Dieter.
Meanwhile, the anime series,Army of the Dead: Lost Vegas, will chronicle the origin story of Bautista’s character, Scott, and his rescue crew during the initial fall of Vegas as they confront the mysterious source of the zombie outbreak.
Snyder will direct two episodes of the anime series, whileJay Olivawill also direct two episodes in addition to serving as showrunner.Shay Hatten, who co-wroteArmy of the Deadwith Snyder andJoby Harold, will also write the script for the prequel, as well as the anime series. Hatten and Oliva will executive produce the anime series with Zack Snyder,Deborah SnyderandWesley Collerof The Stone Quarry. As for the prequel, it will be produced out of Germany by Schweighöfer andDan Maagof Pantaleon Films, and the Snyders will produce that film as well with Coller.
Bautista,Ana de la Reguera,Tig Notaro,Omari HardwickandElla Purnellwill reprise their feature roles in the anime series. Notarorecently joined theAOTDcastdespite the fact that principal photograph wrapped last year, replacing fellow comedianChris D’Eliafollowing multiple accusations of sexual assault. I believe Notaro will be playing a helicopter pilot in the film, which has previously been described as a “spiritual successor” to Snyder’s 2004 remake ofDawn of the Dead.
“I’m incredibly excited for the opportunity to partner with Netflix again as we expand theArmy of the Deaduniverse with both an international prequel, as well as exploring the visually dynamic world of animation. It’s been a great collaboration and we are thrilled that Netflix sees this as big of an IP as we do," Snyder said in a statement.
“It has already been a great pleasure to be part of this wonderful ensemble around Zack Snyder – a fascinating project. I am happy that it is now being developed on so many different levels," added Schweighöfer.
Snyder is unable to direct the prequel given his current focus on his new cut ofJustice League, which was heavily hyped at DC FanDome last month in advance of its 2021 debut on HBO Max.The Snyder Cutwill be presented in four hour-long episodes, and Warner Bros. has given Snyder tens of millions of dollars to complete his vision following a public outcry from fans.
The Snyders are also credited producers onWonder Woman 1984, which remains slated for release on Oct. 2.Click hereto watch the latest trailer, which gives us our first glimpse of Kristen Wiig’s villain Cheetah.
