Melanie Scrofano may have traded in her signature pistols from Wynonna Earp, but she’s far from done dealing with the supernatural. The Canadian star, known for her fearless portrayal of Wynonna Earp, is now set to headline Syfy’s upcoming zombie series, Revival. The series is currently filming in New Brunswick, Canada, and promises a fresh twist on the undead genre.
A New Kind of Zombie Story
Revival takes place in Wausau, a quiet, rural town in Wisconsin, which is thrown into chaos when the dead mysteriously rise from their graves. But here’s the twist: these zombies aren’t looking for human flesh or brains. Instead, they just want to pick up where they left off — resuming their lives as though nothing happened. From the outset, Revival promises to be a different kind of zombie story, blending mystery, drama, and supernatural intrigue in a way that will keep audiences hooked.
Scrofano takes on the role of Dana Cypress, a local law enforcement officer and single mother who finds herself in the middle of this bizarre phenomenon. As the town grapples with the implications of the dead walking among the living, Dana must unravel a puzzling murder mystery that blurs the line between the two worlds. The real challenge? Figuring out whether the culprit is among the living or the dead.
Based on the critically acclaimed Image Comics series of the same name, written by Tim Seeley and illustrated by Mike Norton, Revival ran for 47 issues between 2012 and 2017. The comic has been praised for its unique take on the zombie genre, emphasizing small-town relationships and the eerie effects of the dead’s return rather than the typical gore and horror. This adaptation is set to bring the same eerie atmosphere and thoughtful storytelling to television screens.
Melanie Scrofano’s Busy Year
Revival marks yet another exciting project for Scrofano, who has had a whirlwind year. Fans were saddened to see Wynonna Earp come to an end, but they were treated to a special Tubi-original finale, Wynonna Earp: Vengeance. Scrofano also bid farewell to her comedic role as Mrs. McMurray on the popular Canadian series Letterkenny, a gin-swilling, no-nonsense character that showcased her versatility as an actor.
But the projects haven’t stopped there. Scrofano also ventured into the Star Trek universe, playing Captain Marie Batel in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. As the third season of the series approaches, fans are eagerly awaiting the resolution of her character’s fate, which is set to be revealed in the premiere next year.
With Revival now on her roster, Scrofano is continuing to cement herself as a genre-bending actor, capable of taking on both comedic and dramatic roles, while always delivering performances that resonate with her loyal fanbase.
Who Else Is Joining the Cast?
Revival boasts a strong supporting cast, including Romy Weltman as Dana’s daughter, Martha “Em” Cypress. Weltman is no stranger to genre projects, having appeared in Tubi’s Terror Train remake and its sequel, as well as the Canadian series Backstage.
David James Elliott, best known for his long-running role on the legal drama JAG, will portray Wayne Cypress, Wausau’s sheriff and Dana’s father. Elliott recently appeared on Heels and brings a wealth of experience to the cast, offering another layer of complexity to the small-town dynamics in Revival.
Joining the cast is Andy McQueen, who plays Ibrahim Ramin, a scientist from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) tasked with studying the mysterious undead phenomenon. McQueen is fresh off roles in the critically acclaimed series Station Eleven and Mrs. Davis, and will undoubtedly bring a new perspective to the scientific and moral questions raised by the undead’s return.
Behind the Scenes
Revival was created by showrunners Aaron B. Koontz and Luke Boyce, known for their work on indie horror projects like Shelby Oaks and Revealer. Both Koontz and Boyce will serve as executive producers alongside Lance Samuels, Daniel Iron, Samantha Levine, Daniel March, and Greg Hemmings. The series is produced by Blue Ice Pictures and Hemmings Films, adding a solid foundation of experienced filmmakers to bring this unique story to life.
What to Expect from Revival
For fans of supernatural drama, Revival promises a thrilling blend of mystery, tension, and thoughtful exploration of life and death. While it takes place in a small, seemingly quiet town, the emotional stakes will be high as the residents of Wausau confront their pasts in the form of their resurrected loved ones.
For Scrofano, Revival marks a continuation of her exploration of strong, complex female leads. As Dana Cypress, she’ll be tackling not only the mysteries of the undead but also the very real challenges of motherhood, grief, and survival in a town turned upside-down. With her reputation for delivering nuanced, emotionally charged performances, fans can expect Scrofano to shine once again.
As Revival continues filming and builds anticipation, there’s no doubt that Melanie Scrofano and her castmates are saddling up for yet another wild, supernatural ride. Keep an eye on Syfy for updates and get ready for a series that promises to turn the zombie genre on its head.