Get ready for more musical mayhem and monster mashups because Disney has officially greenlit Zombies 5! Fans of the beloved franchise can rejoice as Malachi Barton and Freya Skye reprise their roles as Victor and Nova, diving headfirst into a new adventure that promises to shake up the fragile peace in Seabrook. But here’s where it gets controversial: while Milo Manheim and Meg Donnelly won’t be returning as Zed and Addison, they’re stepping behind the camera as executive producers. Does this signal a new direction for the series, or will their absence leave a Zed-sized hole in the story? Only time will tell.
Production kicks off this spring in the stunning landscapes of New Zealand, with an official title still under wraps. Picking up after the events of Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires, the film explores the uneasy truce between Daywalkers and Vampires—until a group of fierce mermaids crashes the party in Rayburn. These aquatic newcomers aren’t just here to make waves; their siren song threatens to lure in new allies, forcing Nova and Victor to rally their groups once again. But what are the mermaids really after? And this is the part most people miss: their arrival isn’t just a plot twist—it’s a test of unity, trust, and the hard-won harmony Seabrook’s residents fought so fiercely to achieve.
The returning cast includes fan favorites like Swayam Bhatia as Vera, Julian Lerner as Ray, and Mekonnen Knife as Vargas. Meanwhile, the franchise welcomes a trio of mysterious mermaids: Diaana Babnicova as the effortlessly cool Pearl, Taylor Oliver as the rebellious Fin, and Olive Mortimer as the tech-savvy Sandy. Adding to the mix is Emily Costtrici as Izzy, Zed’s zombie cousin and the newest transfer student. Will she fit in, or will she stir up trouble?
Behind the scenes, director and executive producer Paul Hoen is back at the helm, joined by returning producers Jane Fleming, Mark Ordesky, Joseph Raso, David Light, and Skot Bright. Disney promises next-level dance sequences choreographed by Dondraico Johnson and an original score by Tom Howe. Writers Chris Hazzard, Michael Fontana, and Eydie Faye are also on board to craft a story that’s equal parts heart-pounding and toe-tapping.
Since its debut, the Zombies franchise has become a powerhouse, dominating Disney Channel’s original movie lineup. The first three films topped Nielsen ratings among Kids 6-11 and Tweens 9-14, racking up 385 million viewing hours across linear and streaming platforms in the U.S. alone. Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires continued the trend, scoring 9.3 million global views in its first nine days and 43 million in less than six months. With Zombies 5 on the horizon, the question remains: can the franchise keep raising the stakes while staying true to its roots?
What do you think? Will the mermaids’ arrival breathe new life into the series, or is this one twist too many? And how will the absence of Zed and Addison impact the story? Let us know in the comments—we’re all ears (and maybe a few zombie groans)!
