Milla Jovovich, renowned for her role in the “Resident Evil” franchise, is returning to the zombie genre with “Twilight of the Dead.” This film is directed by Brad Anderson, known for his work on “The Machinist,” and represents the seventh and final installment in George A. Romero's legendary “Living Dead” series. The project is based on a treatment written by Romero before his passing in 2017 and is being developed in collaboration with Romero's estate and financier Roundtable.
Set against the backdrop of a tropical island, “Twilight of the Dead” explores the dark aspects of humanity through the eyes of the last survivors on Earth, who find themselves caught between warring factions of the undead. The screenplay is crafted by Joe Knetter, Paolo Zelati, and Robert Lucas, promising a narrative that combines emotional depth with intense horror elements.
Anderson describes the film as a genre piece that draws inspiration from notable works such as “I Am Legend,” “The Last of Us,” and “The Road,” suggesting a rich narrative that goes beyond typical zombie fare. Additionally, veteran makeup effects designer Greg Nicotero and his KNB EFX Group will be responsible for creating the film's makeup effects, ensuring a high level of authenticity and creativity in depicting the undead.
Production is slated to begin in March, with Fortitude International set to present the project at the upcoming American Film Market. This film marks a significant milestone as it officially concludes Romero's influential franchise, which began with 1968's “Night of the Living Dead” and continued through several sequels and spinoffs.
The announcement of “Twilight of the Dead” is both exciting and bittersweet for fans of the zombie genre. Milla Jovovich's involvement adds star power and credibility to this final chapter. Given Romero's legacy, it is crucial that this film honors his vision while also appealing to contemporary audiences. The choice of Brad Anderson as director suggests a potential for a nuanced narrative that could elevate standard horror tropes into something more profound. However, there's always a risk when revisiting beloved franchises; it will be interesting to see how this story unfolds and whether it can live up to its predecessors.
Do you think “Twilight of the Dead” can successfully capture the essence of George A. Romero's vision while appealing to modern audiences? Why or why not?
