George Romero‘s legendary “Living Dead” zombies are set to make a chilling return to the screen, as his final installment in the beloved zombie series, titled “Twilight of the Dead,” gears up for production. Six years after the iconic filmmaker’s passing, his vision is being brought to life thanks to the efforts of dedicated collaborators and producers.
Romero, the creative mind behind the groundbreaking 1968 cult classic “Night of the Living Dead,” left an indelible mark on the horror genre. Before his passing in 2017 due to lung cancer, he began working on a treatment for what would become “Twilight of the Dead.” The torch is now being carried forward by producer-financier Roundtable Entertainment, with a completed script crafted by Joe Knetter, Robert Lucas, and Paolo Zelati, all of whom collaborated with Romero on the treatment.
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The upcoming film, heralded as the “seventh and final installment of the seminal Living Dead film franchise,” promises to be a fitting culmination of the series that captivated audiences for decades. The story will explore the darkness of humanity from the perspective of the last survivors on earth, caught in the midst of conflicts among the undead. The tropical island setting adds an intriguing twist to the well-known zombie narrative.
Suzanne Romero, George’s widow and a producer on the project, expressed her excitement about the collaboration with Roundtable Entertainment, praising their deep appreciation for her husband’s work. She remarked, “I believe they have the vision to produce the best version of this movie that honors the Romero legacy. I can’t wait to start filming!”
The film boasts a strong producing team, with Paolo Zelati, John Baldecchi, Sarah Donnelly, and Stephanie Caleb joining Suzanne Romero in bringing George’s vision to life. The executive producers include Dominic Ianno, Alex Dundas, Jason Resnick, Chris Roe, and Luis Riefkohl.
John Baldecchi, one of the film’s producers, conveyed his enthusiasm for concluding the series with “Twilight of the Dead.” He emphasized the film’s timely message about the destructive nature of humanity, calling it “the perfect ending to one of the greatest horror legacies of all time.” Baldecchi noted that the creative community is equally excited to be part of this iconic project.
George Romero’s impact on the horror genre is immeasurable. His debut film, “Night of the Living Dead,” paved the way for a series of sequels that explored various facets of the zombie apocalypse: “Dawn of the Dead” (1978), “Day of the Dead” (1985), “Land of the Dead” (2005), “Diary of the Dead” (2007), and “Survival of the Dead” (2009).
Romero’s influence extended beyond the “Living Dead” series, with films like “The Crazies” (1973) and “Knightriders” (1981) showcasing his versatility as a storyteller. He also directed Stephen King’s “Creepshow” (1982), which marked the author’s screenwriting debut.
As “Twilight of the Dead” moves forward, it promises to honor George Romero’s legacy by delivering a fitting conclusion to one of horror cinema’s most iconic series. With a powerful message and a team dedicated to preserving his vision, Romero’s impact on the genre continues to thrive.