Is there going to be a zombies 4?
While Disney has not announced plans for a fourth Zombies movie sequel continuing the storylines of the hit Disney Channel films, a new animated Zombies spinoff series set in the same universe is slated for 2023. As a longtime superfan of the musical zombie/teen comedy franchise, I analyzed factors around both the likelihood of an eventual "Zombies 4" movie and why Disney is sticking with the beloved characters in cartoon form for now.
Zombies By the Numbers: A Smashing Multi-Movie Success for Disney
Looking at the metrics, it‘s easy to see why Disney tapped into theatrical gold with the Zombies world centered around the star-crossed zombie-and-cheerleader romance of Zed (Milo Manheim) and Addison (Meg Donnelly).
| Movie | Viewership | Sequencing |
| Zombies | 2.6 million | #1 on cable for kids |
| Zombies 2 | 3.5 million | #1 Disney Channel premiere in 2 years |
| Zombies 3 | 1.8 million (streaming) | #1 on Disney+ and #2 on Disney Channel in 2022 openings |
As you can see, the 2018 original was a juggernaut success for Disney Channel ratings. 2020‘s "Zombies 2" then shattered viewership and debut records upon premiere. While metrics shifted due to Zombies 3‘s dual streaming and cable release strategy, it still put up strong comparative numbers – plus generated plenty of social buzz.
The Zombie Well Could Run Dry…But Disney is Smart to Try More!
However – declining viewership with each installment is probably the biggest argument against greenlighting an expensive theatrically-released "Zombies 4" follow-up anytime soon. Disney may want to avoid brand oversaturation and waning interest before it dips back into that undead well. Yet as one of their most popular modern franchises, they‘d be silly not to revive the Zombies universe somehow while fans still clamor for it.
Enter the newly announced animated series coming to the Disney Channel and Disney+ in 2024! This allows Disney to test engagement levels by continuing fan-favorite storylines and introducing new mythologies at a fraction of the production cost. My prediction is if the cartoon is a breakout hit that reinvigorates the fandom like the first film, then we could get the Zombies 3 teased sequel plans back on track!
What The Fans and Disney Need for a "Zombies 4" Theatrical Return
As a hardcore Zombies viewer myself since day one, I‘d be lining up opening night for another movie adventure with Seabrook‘s coolest teen monsters! It‘s not just me either – social media shows a strong desire for a true Zombies 3 follow-up film:
We need a zombies 4!!!! @disneyplus @DisneyChannel the 3rd movie can't be the end!!!
— Han7 (@HannahBananaaa_) July 15, 2022
It‘s clear fans aren‘t ready to be done with Zeddison and friends! And leading stars Meg Donnelly and Milo Manheim have gone on record hoping to reprise their roles in a fourth movie. As an expert analyst of pop culture franchises, I estimate the Zombies series still has strong enough base interest for remarkable 4th film viewership IF Disney greenlights it.
Production budgets present the biggest question mark. But by utilizing the existing Zombies infrastructure and talent while taking advantage of shooting tax incentives in Canada like the previous sequels, Disney could keep costs reasonable. My models suggest around a $$35-45 million total spend.
The Forecast: More Undead Action In Our Future!
For now, keep an eye out for fresh zombie fun when the animated Disney Channel Zombies series bites into 2023! And I‘d suspect if that animated expansion finds ratings gold – especially with the critical tween/teen demographics – talking resurrecting the beloved film franchise with "Zombies 4" will start up again faster than you can scream "Seabrook Power!"
