Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires has fans buzzing with excitement, thanks to its lead stars Milo Manheim and Meg Donnelly, who have shared their hopes for the future of the franchise. They’ve portrayed Zed, a teenage zombie, and Addison, a half-human, half-alien cheerleader, across all four installments of this beloved Disney Channel musical series.
This latest film sees Zed and Addison take on mentor roles for young vampire Victor, played by Malachi Barton, and daywalker Nova, portrayed by Freya Skye. As they guide the next generation, the story explores themes of love and peace between their communities.
In a recent Deadline interview, both stars expressed interest in the prospect of a potential Zombies 5. While they didn’t commit to reprising their roles, they highlighted that the franchise has room to grow. Manheim noted that the Zombies universe “can go any direction,” hinting at endless possibilities. Donnelly echoed his sentiments, emphasizing that this film is merely the beginning for Victor and Nova.
Milo Manheim: “I think that one of the amazing things about this franchise is that we’ve kind of created this universe that can go any direction. We’re really just expanding and literally getting outside of Seabrook. So I’m curious to see what happens. I think the world could always use another Zombies movie.”
Meg Donnelly: “I feel like this movie, because the four of us are involved, it’s very split between the two. I think it’s literally just the start of the kids’ story, and I feel like there needs to be another one to tell their story.”
Milo Manheim: “It’s almost like the first three movies were one trilogy, and then this is like the start of another trilogy.”
The Future of Zombies 5
Their Support Could Propel It Forward
The foundation for a sequel is robust, as Zed and Addison hand the torch to Victor and Nova. The finale of Zombies 4 even teases potential aquatic creatures, likely mermaids, which hints at exciting new storylines.
Fans might recall a poignant moment in the film’s song “Possible,” where Addison sings, “It feels like forever since we were your age/We’re passin’ you the torch, so don’t hesitate.” This line encapsulates the essence of evolution in the franchise, setting the stage for the next chapters to unfold.
Whether or not Zombies 5 materializes will heavily depend on the success of Dawn of the Vampires in its initial weeks on Disney+. If the film can match the vibrant subscriber revenue of its predecessors, the chances for another installment will significantly increase.
Moreover, even if Manheim and Donnelly don’t return as characters, their involvement as executive producers could continue. This would enable them to guide the narrative and maintain a connection with the franchise’s roots while actively promoting the sequel.
Could the Franchise Thrive Without Them?
While the original characters have dwindled, Zombies 4 showcases only four legacy characters, down from a larger ensemble in previous films. The idea of Zombies 5 emerging without Zed and Addison raises eyebrows. Victor and Nova feel reminiscent of their predecessors, and it’s difficult to envision them standing alone.
Looking at Disney Channel’s history, franchises like High School Musical and Teen Beach Movie have struggled to thrive after losing core cast members. Unless something changes, Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires may represent a concluding chapter for the franchise if Zed and Addison are not part of its future.
As fans await the results of Dawn of the Vampires, the whispers of another sequel linger in the air, promising that this enchanting universe is far from over.
Source: Deadline