Zack Snyder's upcoming Netflix zombie heist movie, Army of the Dead, is getting a prequel and an anime series on the streaming service. Snyder's movie, his second stab at a zombie film after his directorial debut Dawn of the Dead, follows a group of soldiers who are contracted by a casino owner to enter a zombie-filled Las Vegas to retrieve the money he left behind when the zombies hit.
Army of the Dead is seen as a spiritual sequel to Snyder's 2004 debut, though the movies seem to share little DNA beyond being set in a post-apocalyptic world filled with the living dead. Snyder's film features a large ensemble cast lead by former wrestler Dave Bautista, Ella Purnell, Garret Dillahunt, and Ana de la Reguera. It also features comic Tig Notaro, who replaced fellow comic Chris D'Elia following accusations of sexual assault leveled at him earlier this year. Also part of the cast is German actor, producer, and director Matthias Schweighöfer.
Collider reports the movie has had not one, but two spin-offs greenlit by Netflix, even before it has hit the streaming service. The prequel movie will feature Schweighöfer's character in the lead, with the star also directing. The report says the film will be an international feature. The anime series will also be a prequel but will focus on Bautista's character, as well as other members of the cast, as they deal with the zombie outbreak's beginnings. Snyder spoke about the spin-offs:
I’m incredibly excited for the opportunity to partner with Netflix again as we expand the Army of the Dead universe 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.
Schweighöfer, too, spoke effusively about the opportunity, saying it's "already been a pleasure" to be involved in the film and that he's happy the project is being expanded "on so many different levels." Snyder will reportedly helm two episodes of the animated series, but had to hand over directing duties to Schweighöfer for the prequel film given his commitment to finishing the Snyder Cut of Justice League for HBO Max.
The news is a clear indication of Netflix's confidence in Army of the Dead and Snyder's broader vision for the world in which the film takes place. It is rare for the streamer to announce multiple projects under one banner before the first piece of content is released and has been proven to be a hit with audiences. With a diverse cast drawn from around the world, it's clearly got a broad appeal, and Netflix is likely keen on exploiting that.
Source: Collider