One of the Biggest Zombie Movie Franchises Finally Gets a Sequel Update (But There’s a Big Problem)

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It had been ten years since the first Zombieland movie when the sequel, Zombieland: Double Tap, was released in 2019. While critics weren’t quite as enthusiastic about the second film (it scored 68% on Rotten Tomatoes, compared to 89% for the original), it still did well, earning $122.8 million worldwide. Seeing the return of beloved characters like Columbus, Tallahassee, Wichita, and Little Rock made fans eager for another movie. However, despite that interest, Zombieland 3 hasn’t been officially approved six years later, and it might be a while before it does.

Ruben Fleischer, the director of the Zombieland movies, recently told Deadline that he’s aiming to start working on Zombieland 3 around 2029. He explained that the first two films were released ten years apart – 2009 and 2019 – and they ended the second movie with a hint that a third installment could arrive a decade later. He’s now beginning to plan the project, though he also has other potential films in development, so the timing isn’t certain.

The Wait for Zombieland 3 Is Frustrating, but Could Be for the Best

It’s good news that discussions about Zombieland 3 are starting with Fleischer and his team, though fans might have to wait several years for the movie to actually come out. This was always the plan, actually. Emma Stone suggested during the making of Double Tap that the group should reunite for a new Zombieland movie every ten years, making long gaps between films a signature part of the franchise. The fact that Fleischer is now talking about a third movie suggests they’re sticking to that idea. It will simply take time to write the script and coordinate schedules with the busy cast.

As a huge fan, I think delaying Zombieland 3 until 2029 is actually a smart move creatively. It gives director Ruben Fleischer a chance to revisit these characters after a good ten years have passed since Double Tap. Imagine seeing Columbus, Wichita, and the gang dealing with a whole new set of survival problems, but as older, more evolved people! It avoids the pitfall of just repeating the same story beats we’ve seen before. Let’s be honest, the zombie action and gore are fun, but what really made those movies work was how much we connected with the characters, and seeing them grow feels like the natural next step.

While a long wait can build excitement, there are also risks. Comedy sequels are often disappointing, and many haven’t lived up to the original films. Although Double Tap was decent, it didn’t receive as good reviews as the first Zombieland, and it didn’t make much more money at the box office. After such a long wait, it would be a shame if Zombieland 3 failed to impress and ended the series on a negative note. In that case, it might be better to leave the franchise as a two-part story.

There are lots of exciting possibilities for a third Zombieland movie, and it would naturally continue the stories and relationships we’ve seen in the first two films. It’s good that the filmmakers aren’t rushing into it. Whether Zombieland 3 happens depends on director Ruben Fleischer finding the right story. The team wants to make sure a third movie is worthwhile, not just a quick way to make money. Taking their time could allow Fleischer to create the best Zombieland film yet.

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2025-11-15 00:11