Can you believe that it's been almost 10 years since the release of Ruben Fleischer's ZOMBIELAND? I know, right? The reality of that fact is kind of blowing my mind, right now. Anyway, Vulture has recently published an article stating that ZOMBIELAND writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick are looking to get a sequel made to their 2009 smash-hit for an October 2019 release. If that doesn't get you jazzed, how about the prospect that the duo is hoping for the cast of the original to return for more zombie-bashing, Twinkie-fueled antics? Ah, I've got your attention now, don't I? Let's investigate further, shall we?
“We’re going on the tenth anniversary of Zombieland," Wernick told Vulture while speaking with the entertainment outlet. "Zombieland came out October of 2009. We don’t know what you get someone for their tenth anniversary, but it may be a Zombieland 2." Hmm, this idea is starting to sound a bit suspect, is it not? After all, the words "may be" do not instill as much confidence as the words "will be," amiright? “The hope is that we’re shooting that thing early 2019 for an October of ’19 release,” Wernick continued, then followed up his statement with a tantalizing notion that is sure to get fans of the original's blood pumping: “With the original cast, by the way.”
While none of the above statements signal a concrete "yes" or "no" about the project, it comforts me to know that Wernick also said “We are sitting on information that we can’t entirely share at this moment, but we can just say we think fans of Zombieland who have been hoping for a Zombieland 2, that we will grant their wish very, very soon.” Alright, Wernick, I'll bite. Actually, maybe I'll just nibble on this information a little, and wait until you've got something more official before I gorge myself on the notion of there being another ZOMBIELAND film.
To be honest, the ZOMBIELAND 2 project feels like a smart move, given today's zombie-obssesed pop culture climate. Then again, I haven't watched THE WALKING DEAD since the mid-season break of Season 2, so what the hell do I know? However, from a money-making perspective, the original ZOMBIELAND did earn $102.4 million over its $23.6 million dollar budget, and we all know how much the powers that be like their fat cash returns. For me it's not a matter of whether or not the studio would be interested, it's more about securing the film's original cast for the sequel. A lot of moving and shaking has happened for Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, Abigail Breslin, and Woody Harrelson, over the years, and I'd be interested to know if their film schedules would align for a project such as this. I suppose we'll just have to wait and see.
What do you think about the idea of another ZOMBIELAND film shambling into theaters? Do you enjoy the taste of Twinkies? Should Bill Murray make another cameo appearance in the film, as a proper zombie, this time? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.