George A. Romero’s influence on the horror genre, particularly in the zombie subgenre, is still being felt today. His groundbreaking directorial debut, Night of the Living Dead, revolutionized independent filmmaking and popularized the concept of zombie outbreaks in the late 1960s. With the announcement of Twilight of the Dead, the seventh and final installment of the Living Dead franchise, fans and critics are eagerly anticipating the culmination of Romero’s life’s work. Despite his passing in 2017, Romero is set to be credited as a writer on the film, alongside authors Joe Knetter, Robert L. Lucas, and Paolo Zelati.
The script is completed, but production has yet to commence due to the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike. A release date has not been announced, and details on the film’s format, including whether it will be released theatrically or through a streaming platform, remain uncertain. Fans can look forward to a thrilling conclusion to the Living Dead saga, promising a powerful and timely message about humanity’s destructive tendencies. The story is said to explore the concept of humanity causing its own downfall, a theme reminiscent of Romero’s previous works.
A Still From Twilight of the Dead (Photo: Twilight of the Dead)
As casting is still underway, it’s possible that new survivors will take center stage to face off against the undead hordes. While waiting for Twilight of the Dead, fans can revisit the original Night of the Living Dead, which is in the public domain and can be streamed on various platforms. The subsequent sequels, however, remain unavailable for streaming. Until production begins, fans can only imagine the terrifying scenarios that Romero and director Brad Anderson, known for his work on Session 9 and The Machinist, have in store for us.
The Living Dead series, alongside classic franchises such as Godzilla and Universal Monsters, is a testament to the enduring power of the horror genre. As the curtain closes on this iconic franchise, fans are left to ponder the fate of the survivors in this apocalyptic world and the lessons they might learn from their demise. With Twilight of the Dead set to conclude the series, fans can only hope that it will be a fitting tribute to Romero’s legacy and a thrilling conclusion to the Living Dead saga.
