Get ready for more musical mayhem and monster mashups because Disney has officially greenlit Zombies 5! Fans of the beloved franchise can rejoice as Malachi Barton and Freya Skye reprise their roles as Victor and Nova, diving headfirst into a new adventure that promises to shake up the peace between Daywalkers and Vampires. But here's where it gets controversial: while Milo Manheim and Meg Donnelly won’t be returning as Zed and Addison, they’ll be stepping behind the camera as executive producers. Is this a smooth transition or a missed opportunity for fans? Let the debate begin!
Production kicks off this spring in the stunning landscapes of New Zealand, though the official title is still under wraps. Following the events of Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires, the fragile harmony in Rayburn is tested when a group of fierce mermaids arrives, singing a siren song that threatens to lure in new allies. Nova and Victor must rally their groups once again to uncover the mermaids’ true intentions and protect the peace they fought so hard to achieve. And this is the part most people miss: the mermaids aren’t just here to cause trouble—they’re bringing a whole new layer of mystery and intrigue to the story.
The returning cast includes fan favorites like Swayam Bhatia as Vera, Julian Lerner as Ray, and Mekonnen Knife as Vargas. New to the franchise are Diaana Babnicova as the effortlessly cool Pearl, Taylor Oliver as the rebellious Fin, and Olive Mortimer as the tech-savvy Sandy. Plus, Emily Costtrici joins the crew as Izzy, Zed’s zombie cousin and a fresh face at school. With director Paul Hoen back at the helm and a creative team that includes writers Chris Hazzard, Michael Fontana, and Eydie Faye, Zombies 5 is shaping up to be a spectacle.
Disney promises next-level dance sequences choreographed by Dondraico Johnson and an original score by Tom Howe, ensuring the film will be a feast for the eyes and ears. But here’s a thought-provoking question: as the franchise expands, is it staying true to its roots, or is it risking losing what made the original so special? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Since its debut, the Zombies franchise has become a powerhouse, with the first three films topping Nielsen ratings among Kids 6-11 and Tweens 9-14 in their premiere years. The latest installment, Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires, racked up 9.3 million views globally in its first nine days and 43 million views in less than six months. With 385 million hours watched across linear and streaming platforms in the U.S., it’s clear this franchise isn’t slowing down. So, are you ready to join the next chapter? Let’s just hope the mermaids don’t steal the show—or do they?
