I actually began this article about 2 weeks ago. But, you know me, Stallion. But my article was more like asking the question. “Where has Return of the Living Dead as a franchise been?” After writing the article/review about Rave to the Grave and spending the entirety of July 3rd dedicated to posting Return of the Living Dead content on our Facebook page, I asked that very question.
And now. This quote directly from Bloody-Digusting.com.
The company Living Dead Media is behind the planned upcoming reboot, which has Steve Wolsh (Muck, Kill Her Goats) attached to direct. According to the company’s official website, the next installment in the Return of the Living Dead franchise will reboot rather than remake.
Living Dead Media previews, “Our reboot of Return of the Living Dead will expand the existing world created by the original 5 films, while staying true to the R-rated, sci-fi, horror, dark comedy roots adored by fans of the cult classic around the world for the last 35 years.”
The company also notes on their official website, “We are excited to resurrect this storied franchise for current fans and new generations of zombie fans.”
So, that is encouraging to hear. But, how could this work and will it actually happen?
I asked this question because of two things.
1. Is the Zombie boom that began in 2002 over? The Walking Dead may have and still may be pushing it too far. Is it too late?
2. The quality. I wondered who had the rights and who ended up with them. Based on statement, this new film may be the sake or lesser quality to Necropolis and Rave to the Grave.
The rights of Return of the Living Dead at one point ended up on Ebay and I can’t imagine anyone who was able yo attain these rights has much filmmaking experience. Muck (2016) has a 2.7 on IMDB. Fog City (2017) has almost no information and Kill Her Goats (2023) seems to be their masterpiece with a 2.9 on IMDB.
I think my concerns are pretty valid at this point. These films seems to be extreme low budget horror films and the quality based on trailers looks less than that of Rave to the Grave.
I don’t know folks. I would keep my excitement at a minimum for this so called Reboot. The likelihood of it happening is low and the likelihood it will be good quality is even lower based on the production company’s past films. I’d be shocked if this even gets made.
When this happen? If it’s a super Indie flick, I bet the may go to crowdfunding and it could do well. I’d expect Return of the Living Dead in 2026 or later…or never.
I hate to be a sour puss, but the production company just doesn’t excite me and I feel like we’re in for something worse that the last two films that came nearly two decades ago and those were awful.
But, don’t let me discourage you. If you’re excited, great. Social media has shown mixed feelings as usual. Seth and I will discuss this on Horror Movie Massacre on Wednesday. One day I’ll tell you all how I think a reboot or sequel to Return of the Living Dead should be handled, if I had the keys to the movie.
I will tell you this, I am a huge fan of the 1985 original film and this franchise is a mixed bag that is really held up by the original movie. Return of the Living Dead part II is just not as good. Return of the Living Dead 3 is awesome and different, while we know the reputation of the 4th and 5th films.
Now it’s time for you to tell us what you think. Let us know in the comments on our Facebook page. We will see you soon, oddly enough with our George A. Romero Retrospective.
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One last thing, here are your final scores for the entire franchise.
