Return of the Living Dead (2025): A New Zombie Adventure; Teaser

BRAINNNNSSSSS!!! The 1985 cult classic ‘Return of the Living Dead’ is officially receiving a sequel that’s being called “a brand new adventure.”

Written by,
J. Johnson

Horror fans have reason to celebrate as the cult-classic Return of the Living Dead is set to rise again. Director Steve Wolsh, known for his work on films like ‘Muck‘ and ‘Kill Her Goats‘, will helm a new installment, placing a fresh spin on the beloved zombie-comedy series.

On Friday the. 13th of December 2024, the team over at Living Dead Media released a special look at the new film. The teaser footage below shows a familiar zombie, Tarman dragging a Christmas tree through a cemetery as a blizzard sweeps through with eerie rendition of “Silent Night” setting the mood in the background.

Per the official Return of the Living Dead timeline on the website, Return of the Living Dead (2025) takes place in the winter of 1985, a whole 18 months after the events of The Return of the Living Dead (1985). A new Trioxin Leak kicks off a zombie outbreak in a quiet Pennsylvania town and if surviving a zombie outbreak isn’t hard enough, the new characters will have to also contend with blizzard conditions. They even mention our good ole friend, Tarman lumbering his way through the town.

Also joining the new film is Special FX legend, Tony Gardner who also worked on The Return of the Living Dead (1985). His work also extends to creating practical movie magic for films such as Hocus Pocus, Zombieland, 127 Hours, Seed of Chucky, and the Chucky franchise. There’s no greater individual who can contribute 40 years of experience and modern techniques to breathe new life into everyone’s favorite zombie series.

Though details are still emerging, the upcoming entry looks to stay true to the franchise’s comedic-horror roots. Fans can expect a continuation of the series’ trademark irreverence, practical effects, and rebellious spirit—elements that have influenced generations of horror filmmakers. As Wolsh and his team breathe new life into these undead horrors, the next chapter of Return of the Living Dead just might resurrect the classic tone for a whole new generation of zombie enthusiasts.