6 Years Later, This Zombie Franchise Still Deserves a Third Movie

It appears that combining horror and comedy has become quite popular in today’s movie releases. Ranging from adaptations of Stephen King works such as “The Monkey” to fantasies by A24 like “Death of a Unicorn”, production companies are increasingly incorporating humor into their horror productions. The “Zombieland” series is a fantastic example of this fusion, offering an exceptional cast that includes Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, and Woody Harrelson, with Bill Murray’s iconic cameo serving as the cherry on top. This duology manages to excel in both genres, introducing a fresh take on the zombie film that resonated deeply with audiences. Regardless of whether they’re searching for a Twinkie or beheading zombies, these films boast compelling narratives amidst their absurdities.

The two “Zombieland” films excel at developing characters and producing thrilling zombie scenes, leaving fans eager for a conclusion to the trilogy. Surprisingly, no news of a third film has been announced, despite the second movie’s ending opening up numerous possibilities for its continuation.

Why Is There Not a Zombieland 3 in Development?

Upon its initial release, the film Zombieland, boasting an impressive 89% approval rating from critics and 86% from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes, was a significant hit that cost $23 million to produce but went on to earn $102 million globally. This success benefited Columbia Pictures immensely. Interestingly, it took ten years for a sequel, Zombieland: Double Tap, to emerge. Contrasting the original’s reception, the sequel garnered mixed reviews with a 68% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes from critics but received a higher 88% approval rating from audiences, even surpassing the original’s score. With a doubled budget of $42 million, the sequel managed to gross more than its predecessor, accumulating $122 million at the worldwide box office, demonstrating that fans are eager for more content in the Zombieland universe, despite less favorable reviews.

Despite the strong box office performance and decent critical reception for both films, there’s no official announcement about a third installment. There’s been much speculation over why the studio hasn’t approved the project, with conflicting schedules of the actors being a major concern. Given that Emma Stone and Jesse Eisenberg have risen to A-list status since the first film’s release, it’s understandable that they might be busy with other projects. Director Ruben Fleischer and the cast have shown enthusiasm for another movie, but as of interviews, no concrete plans for a third film in the series have been made yet.

Filmmakers might hesitate to create another film because the 2013 TV series, “Zombieland: The Series,” didn’t succeed. This series attempted to reimagine the original movie but was unsuccessful since no studio decided to produce it past the pilot episode. However, fans would likely be more enthusiastic about a third Zombieland movie as the cast is a significant part of what makes the films appealing.

There Are Many Directions to Take a Third Zombieland Movie

In the sequel of “Zombieland”, the filmmakers expanded and fleshed out the universe for the first time, bringing forth numerous new figures as characters and locales for the cast to traverse and settle in. The conclusion of “Zombieland: Double Tap” saw Columbus and Wichita (portrayed by Eisenberg and Stone) rekindling their relationship after a brief separation, culminating in an engagement. Additionally, Nevada, played by Rosario Dawson, was integrated into the primary cast, joining them on their escapades as they departed from Babylon. With fresh romantic entanglements and unions emerging, a potential third movie might delve into the intriguing concept of raising children amidst a zombie apocalypse. This could not only deepen the backstory of the principal adversaries but also heighten the drama by providing the characters with additional reasons to protect what they cherish.

In the potential third Zombieland movie, Abigail Breslin’s character, Little Rock, could evolve into a more robust personality. In the first two movies, Little Rock was often relegated to a supporting role, with her being frequently instructed by those around her, and featuring numerous rebellious storylines that didn’t fully leverage her potential. As she has now outgrown adolescence, the writers and filmmakers can craft a more substantial character arc for Little Rock, moving beyond the typical “child in a horror movie” stereotype. Not only would another Zombieland movie be an exciting continuation of the franchise, but it also presents an opportunity for the creators to expand upon their previous successes.

While the Zombieland films may not be raking in huge profits for the studio, they are undeniably entertaining and high-quality productions that warrant additional sequels. With their distinctive humor and star-studded ensemble, this franchise seems destined to deliver new installments more frequently, rather than only occasionally over a decade apart.

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2025-08-17 15:42