Despite some of the middling reviews it's received so far, much of the appeal of Zack Snyder's highly anticipated zombie extravaganza Army of the Dead is the fun-filled city in which the story is set. Taking place in a walled-off Las Vegas, where the U.S. government has elected to quarantine the remaining zombie population, there's something highly entertaining about watching hordes of the undead run roughshod over Sin City.
Given the way the story ended and considering the massive viewership the film enjoyed during its first weekend on Netflix, a sequel is all but inevitable. While plans for a prequel entitled Army of Thieves have been announced, there are some fun international cities that could be a perfect destination for the next zombie outbreak.
Mexico City, Mexico
Per Vanderohe's (Omari Hardwick) itinerary after escaping the casino vault and trekking to Utah, the first destination to accommodate a sequel would be Mexico City. After all, this is where the infected Vanderohe is en route as the film ends.
As the nation's capital, Mexico City is known for its altitude of more than 7,300 feet high and ornate Aztec architecture. With a dense population perfect for a flesh-starved army of undead ghouls, such iconic landmarks as Templo Mayor, Catedral Metropolitana de Mexico, and Palacio Nacional would be beautiful backdrops to offset the brutal bloodshed.
Paris, France
Although Paris, France is briefly hinted at as a possible setting at the end of 28 Weeks Later, a sequel never materialized. As one of the all-time most attractive and romantic destinations in the world, the City of Lights would be an ideal setting for the zombie onslaught in Army of the Dead 2.
The sheer imagery of rabid zombies marauding such famous tourist sites as the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral, or the iconic Champs-Elysees, etc. would be quite a sight to behold.
Bangkok, Thailand
Often dubbed "The Land of Smiles" for its friendly populous, Bangkok is also one of the most beautiful and colorful cities in southeast Asia. A booming metropolis carved in the heart of the jungle on the banks of the Chao Phraya river, the exotic locale is more photogenic than most.
With its bustling street culture and exciting nightlife, Bangkok is full of manmade canals and baroque Buddhist temples that would make for one of the most original zombie outbreaks ever imagined. A zombie attack at Wat Pho temple would be unlike anything seen in a movie.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Like Bangkok, Amsterdam is known for its series of canals, walkways, and bridges. In addition to the city's infamous Red Light District, the countless hash bars and art museums would make for a highly entertaining Army of the Dead 2 setting.
With its long history of legalized marijuana and cottage industry built around such, the metaphor of pot-smoking citizens as mindless zombies could make the setting an even more trenchant one. Similar to the Washington, D.C. landmarks seen in Zombieland: Double Tap, such iconic tourist sites as the Anne Frank House and the Rembrandt House Museum could be used to great effect.
San Francisco, California
The grand scale spectacle of a zombie apocalypse overrunning the iconic Golden Gate Bridge makes San Francisco an instant contender for an Army of the Dead 2 host city. Such an image would make the Jerusalem wall attack in World War Z pale in comparison.
Beyond the famous landmark, San Francisco is confined to seven square miles, making its dense population too cramped to make an easy escape. With the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean close by, the hilly city would be ideal, especially since it has never hosted a high-quality zombie film before.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Army of the Dead: Mardi Gras would be a perfect title for a sequel set in The Big Easy. The high-concept would deliver exactly what it promises, a full-fledged zombie incursion during the annual New Orleans' party festival.
Aside from the Mardi Gras aspect and ornate French architecture, New Orleans has a rich history of spooky voodoo and religious rituals that could be used to counter the zombie onslaught in some way. As one of the most fun and entertaining American cities, the natural atmosphere of New Orleans is ideally suited for a big-budget zombie marvel.
Tokyo, Japan
As one of the prettiest and most visited tourist destinations on the globe, Tokyo also bears the distinction of being the safest city and low crime rates. Considering such, what a setting the capital of Japan would be if faced with a ravenous zombie invasion in Army of the Dead 2.
Known for its distinct architecture, modern and traditional, Tokyo is no stranger to being ravaged by towering beasts such as Godzilla. However, a large-scale zombie surge would challenge the city in different ways, turning the vibrant metropolis from pure fun to abject fright.
Miami/Orlando, Florida
Much like New Orleans and Mardi Gras, the blood-parched zombies of Army of the Dead 2 would absolutely feast on the drunken denizens attending spring break in Miami Beach. Once they're done cleaning up the beach, the shambler could head to the theme parks in Orlando for seconds.
While Disney isn't likely to sign off on the idea of zombies overtaking the Happiest Place on Earth, the notion of zombies besieging a theme park is as fun an idea as unleashing zombies in Vegas.
Dubai, The United Arab Emirates
The Middle Eastern equivalent to Las Vegas, Dubai would be a perfectly tailored setting for Army of the Dead 2. The military link wouldn't be too difficult to make, and the adult-themed entertainment capital would provide ceaseless fun for an epic zombie showdown to occur.
Known for its luxury hotels, upscale shopping venues, extravagant nightlife, and high-end living, Dubai is also a dusty desert city that would make for an aesthetic match with Las Vegas. Unlike Vegas, however, Dubai has a booming beachfront culture for stressed-out zombies to indulge in.
Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
The best city to host Army of the Dead 2 would be Rio de Janeiro, Brazil during their annual Carnival festival. The happiest celebration on the planet full of vibrant colors, incessant dancing, great food, and strong drinks would make for the most dramatic shift in tone if a zombie outbreak were to occur.
More to the point, if said outbreak took place, there would be nowhere for the dense throngs of partygoers to escape to. The mayhem would result in utter pandemonium, dwarfing Vegas in comparison as a true sequel ought to.