The impact of George A. Romero on terror cannot be overstated. Before 1968’s “Living Death Night,” zombies were not flesh-eating ghouls, but highly racialized, mystical monsters. Less entertaining, less easy to map social issues, and less frightening.
Romero, on the other hand, changed that. In his films, the dead defied US social standards, consumerism, the military industrial complex, and even 99 percent of the population. They were also alarmed by the fact that the majority of the films posed an ever-present existential threat. When spectators fail to provide adequate security, the zombies swarm.
The “Living Dead Night” inspired both Romero’s “Dead” franchise and co-writer John Russo’s “Return of the Dead” series.
According to the Hollywood journalist, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment has put a lively spin on the 1968 classic. “Night of the Animated Dead,” the first zombie film for cartoons. Tom Savini, the director of “Dawn of the Dead,” had previously directed “Night” in 1990. So far, this is all we know about The Walking Dead’s recent change.
When can we expect it?
Sources reports that “Night of the Animated Dead” will be released in the autumn of 2021. This film is available on digital platforms as well as Blu-ray DVD. Because this is a Warner Bros. production, no home video production is in the works.
Warner Bros. produces a significant amount of animation for the home video market. According to SyFy Wire, “Straight Outta Nowhere: Scooby-Doo meets the courage of the Cowardly Dog” will premiere in the autumn of 2021. The 72-minute film combines the universes of ‘Scooby-Doo’ and ‘Courage the Cowardly Dog.’ There are two terrified puppies for the price of one, but there is no meat with Scooby-Doo or Courage.
Casting
We have a complete list of the actors who will lend their voices to “Animated Dead Night.” Ben is played by Dulé Hill, who is best known for his roles in “Psych” and “The West Wing.” Hill’s girlfriend, James Roday Rodriguez, will co-star in Psych, and Judy will play Tom and Katee Sackhoff.
Harry Cooper will be played by Josh Duhamel (“Las Vegas”), and Nancy Travis will play Helen Cooper (“The Kominsky Method”). Barbara will be played by Katharine Isabelle (“Ginger Snaps”). Sheriff McClelland, Jimmi Simpson from “Westworld,” and Johnny from “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” will be the players.
