As a devoted follower of Zack Snyder’s work, I was disheartened to learn about the latest developments surrounding his Army of the Dead franchise. According to a recent report by The Wrap (via What’s On Netflix), Netflix has quietly decided to cancel all future plans for sequels and the animated prequel series. This surprising move has left many fans, including myself, wondering what could have led to such a drastic decision. In this article, I’ll delve into the details provided by sources, share my personal take on the situation, and speculate on what might be next for Snyder and his creative endeavours.
The Army of the Dead universe, which kicked off with the 2021 release of the action-horror film, was initially envisioned as a sprawling franchise with numerous spin-offs and sequels. The first film was a massive success, garnering 75 million views in its first 28 days on Netflix, making it the ninth most-watched Netflix Original movie in the platform’s history. This success led to the release of the prequel film Army of Thieves and plans for an animated series titled Army of the Dead: Lost Vegas. However, recent discussions with Zack and Deborah Snyder have confirmed that all these plans have been quietly shelved.
The Reasons Behind the Cancellation
Credit: Netflix
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One major factor that seems to have influenced Netflix’s decision is the lukewarm reception of Snyder’s latest project, Rebel Moon. Released in multiple parts within a short span, Rebel Moon failed to impress both critics and subscribers. According to What’s On Netflix, the four Rebel Moon films released in 2024 were universally disliked, which likely shook the confidence of Netflix executives in Snyder’s ability to helm another expensive franchise.
The disappointing performance of Rebel Moon could have overshadowed the potential of the Army of the Dead sequels and prequels. It’s understandable from a business perspective, but it’s a bitter pill to swallow for fans who were eagerly anticipating more zombie-heist action.
What’s Lost with Lost Vegas?
Credit: Netflix
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The cancellation of Army of the Dead: Lost Vegas is particularly disheartening. This animated prequel series was set to explore the early days of the zombie outbreak and provide more backstory to the characters we met in the original film. Zack Snyder had already completed the scripts and voice recordings for the series, as reported in an interview with The Nerd Queens. The series was even supposed to feature a crossover with Rebel Moon, adding another layer to the interconnected universe Snyder was building. Unfortunately, technical issues and shifting priorities at Netflix seem to have derailed these plans.
The Future of the Army of the Dead Franchise
Credit: Netflix
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Despite the cancellation of the sequels and animated series, it appears that the Army of the Dead franchise isn’t entirely dead. Deborah Snyder mentioned in an interview with The Wrap that an Army of the Dead themed experience is set to launch at Six Flags theme parks this Halloween. This immersive experience could keep the franchise alive in a different form, offering fans a unique way to engage with the story and characters they love.
Zack Snyder’s Next Moves
Credit: Netflix
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With the cancellation of the Army of the Dead projects, fans are left wondering what Zack Snyder will focus on next. For Netflix, his upcoming project Twilight of the Gods is set to premiere in September. This ambitious series, which dives into Norse mythology, has been in development for some time and promises to bring Snyder’s signature style to a new genre. Beyond Netflix, Snyder is also in negotiations to direct and executive produce a television adaptation of 300 for Warner Bros., potentially reviving another of his iconic franchises.
Final Thoughts on Zack Snyder and Army Of The Dead
Credit: Netflix
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As a fan of Zack Snyder’s bold and visually stunning storytelling, the cancellation of the Army of the Dead sequels and animated series is a significant letdown. The franchise had so much potential to expand and explore new narratives within its unique universe. However, it’s clear that Netflix’s decision was influenced by a combination of factors, including the reception of Snyder’s recent projects and the shifting landscape of streaming content.
In conclusion, while the news is disappointing, there’s still hope that the Army of the Dead franchise may find new life in other forms, such as the Six Flags experience. Moreover, Zack Snyder’s creative journey is far from over, and fans can look forward to his upcoming projects. Here’s to hoping that we see more of his visionary work in the future, and perhaps, a revival of the Army of the Dead universe down the line.
