After a 20-year hiatus and five iconic films, the Return of the Living Dead franchise is making a triumphant return with a brand-new sequel. Scheduled to release in Christmas 2025, the horror classic promises a fresh, chilling story for fans, blending humor, suspense, and the signature Trioxin-fueled chaos that the franchise is known for.

A haunting first teaser

Living Dead Media and director Steve Wolsh recently dropped a teaser trailer that sets the eerie tone for the upcoming sequel. The clip, released on Friday the 13th, features the franchise’s iconic zombie character, Tarman, dragging a Christmas tree through a snow-covered cemetery while a haunting rendition of Silent Night plays in the background. The imagery, paired with the holiday tune, sets a dark, atmospheric mood for what promises to be a Christmas nightmare.

The story and setting

The new film takes place in 1985, 18 months after the events of the original 1985 cult classic. The plot is set in a small Pennsylvania town during the Christmas season, where a fresh Trioxin-related incident threatens to unleash chaos.

According to Living Dead Media, fans should not expect returning characters due to their grim fates in the original film. Steve Wolsh emphasizes that this is not a reboot or remake but instead an entirely new story set within the franchise’s dark, humorous, and edgy universe.

A unique visual approach

Director Steve Wolsh has promised an immersive visual experience by utilizing widescreen anamorphic lenses and practical snow effects to create atmospheric and visually striking scenes. “The effects swirling against the night sky give the film an amazing look and texture,” Wolsh said, hinting at a fresh, visually captivating approach for the sequel.

A legacy respected

With this new sequel arriving 40 years after the original’s release, the creative team has made it clear that this new chapter will honor the franchise’s legacy without interfering with its original storylines. Fans can expect the same mix of dark humor, suspense, and iconic horror as they revisit the Return of the Living Dead universe.

The history of Return of the Living Dead

The original Return of the Living Dead was released in 1985 and sparked a horror cult following with its unique take on zombie lore. The franchise later expanded with:

Return of the Living Dead II (1988)

Return of the Living Dead III (1993)

Return of the Living Dead: Necropolis (2005)

Return of the Living Dead: Rave to the Grave (2005)

The upcoming sequel marks a significant return for this beloved franchise and offers fans a fresh story set within the iconic horror universe.

Fans can mark their calendars for Christmas 2025 to experience the return of the living dead once more.