Zack Snyder’s ‘Army of the Dead’ Cinematic Universe Coming to Netflix

Variety reports that a prequel movie and an anime series for Zack Snyder’s upcoming “Army of the Dead” film are officially in the works at Netflix.

“Army of the Dead” is an upcoming zombie action-thriller set to be Snyder’s ninth feature length-direct movie. The film will mark Snyder’s first project in conjunction with a streaming service, followed by next year’s “Zack Snyder’s Justice League” coming to HBO Max.

Although the film has been delayed from its original Summer 2020 release date due to the pandemic and scandals involving one of its cast members, it appears that what Netflix executives have seen of the film was enough to get them to greenlight these two new projects to spin-off from it.

When discussing the announcement, Snyder had this to say:

“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.”

The prequel film is still yet to be titled; however, it was confirmed that Shay Hatten, the writer of the original film, will return to write the script. Hatten is best known for being the screenwriter of 2019’s “John Wick Chapter 3—Parabellum” and is also signed on to write the script for the upcoming “Ballerina” John Wick spinoff movie.

The prequel film will star German actor Matthias Schweighofer, who will return as his character Ludwig Dieter from the original movie. It is unknown if Snyder will return to direct this film for Netflix.

The anime series had its title officially confirmed as “Army of the Dead: Lost Vegas.” Dave Bautista will return as his starring character Scott Ward from the original film and the show will follow his character in both his personal backstory and following the downfall of Las Vegas during this zombie apocalypse.

Jay Oliva will be the showrunner for “Army of the Dead: Lost Vegas” and will direct two episodes in the series. Oliva is well known in the animated world as an animator, producer and director of such animated works in the DCAMU as “Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox,” “Justice League: War,” “Justice League: Throne of Atlantis,” and “Justice League: Dark.” Snyder will be an executive producer on the series and direct the first two episodes.

“Army of the Dead” follows a team of mercenaries who try to pull off a heist in a casino in Las Vegas while a zombie outbreak starts in the city. The film stars Dave Bautista, Ella Purnell, Ana de la Reguera, Raul Castillo, Tig Notaro, Matthias Schweighofer, and Theo Rossi, among others.

“Army of the Dead” is currently undergoing reshoots, and is expected to drop on Netflix either later this year or in early 2021.