Paramount’s Sequel to the Biggest Zombie Movie Ever Continues the Best Horror Trend

Certain genres continue to endure, such as the popular zombie genre, which seems more potent than ever during this revival period (once again). Zombie films have been a staple for what seems like decades, both terrifying and exciting audiences with their depictions of the undead. The history of horror is filled with zombie movies and series, although some have left a deeper impact on our collective consciousness than others. It’s true that the zombie horror trend has experienced ups and downs throughout time, but it appears we are witnessing another surge in popularity, and we can’t wait to see what’s next. The recent news from Paramount further confirms this trend.

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If you missed the recent updates, it’s been announced that Paramount Pictures is planning to resurrect a movie from ten years ago for another round. You guessed it – the much-anticipated sequel to the film “World War Z” is finally on its way! It seems like zombies just can’t stay defeated for long, as they always manage to bounce back. You could say it’s their signature move.

The Zombie Moment of the Early to Mid-2000s

There’s an enduring enthusiasm for zombies and other undead beings, a topic that society finds hard to completely detach from. However, it can become tiresome when focusing too much on one subject. We’ve all noticed its surges and declines in popularity, and realistically speaking, this current resurgence will likely fade away within the next couple of years.

During the early 2000s, several popular zombie franchises emerged, one of which was the adaptation of the well-loved video game series, “Resident Evil,” into films. The first movie from this series premiered in cinemas in 2002, with more movies following at intervals. Among these films, “Resident Evil” had varying degrees of success, particularly with later releases that strayed somewhat from the original source material.

This very same surge in popularity for zombies led to the emergence of “28 Days Later”, a chilling post-apocalyptic horror film featuring Cillian Murphy. To be frank, this movie remains one of the most indelible zombie films from its era. In the years that followed, “Shaun of the Dead” made its debut. This zomedy (zombie comedy) offered a unique take on a concept reminiscent of the timeless “Dawn of the Dead”, and it quickly found a place in our affections (or was it our cravings?).

Coming Back to Life During the 2010s

After that, the zombie craze subsided slightly, but movies such as “Zombieland” managed to slip through during periods of renewed interest. The airing of a cherished comic book series into a TV show marked the start of another surge. Starting in 2010, “The Walking Dead” became an unstoppable force and continues to captivate a dedicated fanbase. This franchise continued to grow, with spin-offs still being produced up until now.

The surge in public interest led to a movie adaption of Max Brooks’ World War Z, although it deviated considerably from the original book. Paramount invested significantly in this adaptation, and while it managed to recover its costs, the relatively narrow profit margin may have sparked doubts about the planned sequel.

In the very same year that World War Z hit the screens, another significant adaptation also made an impact. This was Warm Bodies, a humorous romantic zombie film inspired by Isaac Marion’s novel. At the same time, Resident Evil movies continued to be popular. It’s worth mentioning other popular zombie films from that period such as Train to Busan (2016), Anna and the Apocalypse (2017), and Juan of the Dead (2011).

Zombies Are on the Rise Again

The upcoming sequel to “World War Z” adds more fuel to the continuing popularity of zombie narratives, as HBO has already secured the rights for a live-action adaptation of “The Last of Us”. Both seasons have made a significant impact, breaking records and capturing the attention of multiple streaming platforms. Season 1 introduced a unique take on the zombie story with infected humans and eerie settings, while season 2 raised the stakes, tugging at our heartstrings and offering a fresh perspective on this genre.

To wrap up, we can’t overlook the significant influence of “28 Years Later“, a post-apocalyptic movie that served as the eagerly anticipated sequel to the “28 Days Later ” series. Released more than two decades after the initial film, it certainly found its way into our darkest dreams. For those who weren’t already smitten with the undead, this film undoubtedly changed their mind. With global box office earnings exceeding $150 million, it far surpassed its budget, making Paramount scour for intellectual properties to rejuvenate.

The sequel of World War Z, featuring the return of Brad Pitt for another thrilling journey, may premiere before the current zombie phenomenon subsides. Ever since its announcement, fans have eagerly anticipated what this new installment holds.

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2025-08-17 00:46