Horror fans are getting an unexpected holiday treat courtesy of the Tarman. One year ago, Living Dead Media announced that the classic zombie horror comedy franchiseReturn of the Living Deadwould berising from the grave with a new sequelthat further expandsDan O’Bannon’szany, edgy, and sexy infected worldfor the first time in nearly 20 years. Now, the first teaser has arrived with a reintroduction to the series' most famous zombie with a holiday theme and a Christmas 2025 release window. Collider can also get in on the fun with two exclusive images of the Tarman dragging a bright and colorful Christmas tree through the snow as he hunts for more brains.
This newReturn of the Living Deadfilm isno reboot or remake, but a proper sequel that takes place in the aftermath of the original film released in 1985. It will be an entirely new story set in a snowy Pennsylvania town around Christmas, 18 months after the original outbreak that took over Louisville and forced the military to unleash its nuclear arsenal. Further details about the plot are being kept under wraps, but directorSteve Wolshhas insisted that, above all else, this story won’t interfere with what’s already been established in the first film and its sequels. Moreover, it plans to keep the same focus on dark humor and trioxin-fueled horror that takes inspiration fromGeorge A. Romerowith a silly punk personality of its own.
The teaser shared today gives a better look at the new snowy aesthetic the franchise is going for, along with a showcase of the new Tarman in motion as he pulls his somehow still plugged-in tree through a cemetery. Most excitingly, Wolsh shared that the footagewas made entirely without the use of CGI or a green screen, meaning this upgraded Tarmanis all-practical. It also meant capturing the scene in the elements to give it the best wintery look possible. “Utilizing our widescreen anamorphic lenses, we captured the practical snow effects swirling against the night sky that gives it an amazing look and texture, it’s going to blow people away seeing an entire film made like this,” the director said in a statement. Adding to the reverence for the franchise Wolsh had is the graveyard, which was made to replicate the look of the first film’s Resurrection Cemetery.
Nailingthe appearance of Tarmanand the zombies was imperative for the team after the original set a precedent with the gross, goopy design played by puppeteerAllan Trautman. To carry on the legacy, SFX guruTony Gardnerand his Alterian Inc. returned to the franchise after he made his feature debut on the O’Bannon-helmed classic. Gardner has plenty of experience with the undead, bringing his effects knowledge toZombielandand its 2019 sequel, as well asHocus Pocus,127 Hours,Chucky, and, most recently,theJack Black-ledDear Santa. Faced with the task of utilizingold-school special effectswith a modern flair, he shared “[To be able to] up the horror, but be true to its roots, I feel like I’m the perfect person for the job…and I’m really excited.”
The future of theReturn of the Living Deadfranchise at one point seemed bleak after the death of producerTom Fox, whoworked on all five previous installments. The series was last seen with two direct-to-television releases,Return of the Living Dead: NecropolisandReturn of the Living Dead: Rave to the Grave, in 2005. Thanks to hisknowledge of the films' history, Wolsh, who’s known for indie featuresMuckandKill Her Goats, was trusted by the producer’s estate to carry the torch with his new story. Keeping with tradition, the new sequel is also executive-produced by Fox’s sonChristopher Fox.
Return of the Living Deadresurrects with its new film around Christmas next year. Check out our exclusive images above and the teaser below.
