Wikipedia

Zombies: The Re-Animated Series

Zombies: The Re-Animated Series is an animated musical television series based on the Disney franchise Zombies.[1] It is produced by Disney Television Animation and animated by Atomic Cartoons. The show brings back most of the original cast from the first three films.[2] Zombies: The Re-Animated Series premiered on June 28, 2024, on Disney Channel, followed by its Disney+ premiere the next day.

Zombies: The Re-Animated Series
Genre
Based on
Developed by
Voices of
Theme music composer
  • Matt Wong
  • Jack Kugell
  • Hanna Jones
Opening theme"My Year (The Re-Animated Remix)"
ComposerAmit May Cohen
Country of origin
  • United States
  • Canada
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes20
Production
Executive producers
  • Aliki Theofilopoulos
  • Jack Ferraiolo
  • Gary Marsh
  • David Light
  • Joseph Raso
Running time22 minutes (11 minutes per segment)
Production companyDisney Television Animation
Original release
Network
ReleaseJune 28, 2024 (2024-06-28) –
present
Related
Zombies
Zombies 2
Zombies 3

In September 2024, it was announced that Zombies: The Re-Animated Series would be shortened due to its younger audience preferring short-formed media, laying off some of the crew members of the show.[3] A second season is in development and will also be cut in half.[4] In November 2024, Disney revealed that a holiday special between the second-to-last and last episode of first season will premiere on December 7.[5]

Premise

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Taking place after Zombies 3 and before Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires, following graduation day at Seabrook High School, A-Spen does a time warp that enables everyone to re-do senior year together as they engage in various misadventures in Seabrook.[6]

Characters

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Main

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  • Addison Wells (voiced by Meg Donnelly[7]) – The head cheerleader, who is a human/alien hybrid.
  • Zed Necrodopolis (voiced by Milo Manheim[8]) – A zombie and star football player who is Addison's boyfriend.
  • Wynter Barkowitz (voiced by Ariel Martin[9]) – An overeager werewolf.
  • Willa Lykensen (voiced by Chandler Kinney[10]) – A werewolf who is the leader of her group.
  • Wyatt Lykensen (voiced by Pearce Joza[11]) – A werewolf who is Willa's brother and Eliza's love interest.
  • Bree (voiced by Carla Jeffery[12]) – A human cheerleader who is Addison's best friend.
  • Bucky Buchanan (voiced by Trevor Tordjman[13]) – Addison's self-absorbed human cousin and the former head cheerleader.
  • Bonzo (voiced by James Godfrey[14]) – A zombie who is Zed's friend and Bree's love interest. He can only speak zombie language, which the other characters understand.
  • Eliza Zambi (voiced by Kylee Russell[15]) – A genius zombie and friend of Zed, who is dating Wyatt.
  • A-Spen (voiced by Terry Hu[16]) – An alien who enabled the time warp to happen so that everyone could re-do their senior year.

Others

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  • Principal Lee (voiced by Naomi Snieckus) – The human principal of Seabrook High School.
  • Coach (voiced by Jonathan Langdon) – The unnamed human gym teacher and football coach of Seabrook High School.
  • Razzy (voiced by Eden Riegel) – A demon cat that was adopted by the coach.
  • Dae (voiced by Kahyun Kim[17]) – A witch who is a new student at Seabrook High School.
  • Zoey Necrodopolis (voiced by Kingston Foster) – A zombie who is Zed's younger sister.
  • Motherboard (voiced by Jackée Harry) – The A.I. of the aliens' UFO. It was previously voiced by RuPaul in Zombies 3.
  • Sasquatch (voiced by Chris Diamantopoulos) – A Sasquatch that lives near Seabrook whose kind have been old enemies of the werewolves.

Episodes

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Series overview

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SeasonEpisodesOriginally aired
First airedLast aired
Shorts12July 21, 2023 (2023-07-21)December 31, 2023 (2023-12-31)
120[18]June 28, 2024 (2024-06-28)November 23, 2024 (2024-11-23)

Zombies: The Re-Animated Series Shorts (2023)

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No.Title [19]Original air date [19]
1"Endless Summer"July 21, 2023 (2023-07-21)
2"Solstice Slasher"July 28, 2023 (2023-07-28)
3"Grill or Be Grilled"August 4, 2023 (2023-08-04)
4"Cabin in the House"August 11, 2023 (2023-08-11)
5"ZOMBIES Summer Mini Bites"August 28, 2023 (2023-08-28)
6"Suddenly Seabrook"September 2, 2023 (2023-09-02)
7"I Think We're a Clone Now"September 9, 2023 (2023-09-09)
8"Coach's Cat"September 16, 2023 (2023-09-16)
9"Robot Space Bear"September 23, 2023 (2023-09-23)
10"Wynter Transport"September 30, 2023 (2023-09-30)
11"ZOMBIES Halloween Mini Bites"October 28, 2023 (2023-10-28)
12"ZOMBIES Mini Bites"December 31, 2023 (2023-12-31)

Season 1 (2024)

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No.Title [19]Directed byWritten byStoryboarded byOriginal air date [19]Prod.
code [19]
1"Re-Senior Year"Justin LovellAliki Theofilopoulos & Jack FerraioloRebecca Champagne & Stephanie GonzagaJune 28, 2024 (2024-06-28)101
"I Scream Zoda"Steve RolstonRachel McNevinGemma & Nick Nason
2"Rage Against the Vending Machine"Justin LovellJoey ManderinoRachel ColucciJune 28, 2024 (2024-06-28)102
"Young, Wild, and Free Period"Steve RolstonMike YankAmmie Lieu-Dang & Rebecca Champagne
3"These Boots Were Made for Willa"Justin LovellJoan FordRiver Minho Kim & Rebecca ChampagneJuly 6, 2024 (2024-07-06)[a]103
"Double Troubled"Steve RolstonElliott MayaAlison Jensen Tsui & Nick Nason
4"Alien vs. Shredator"Justin LovellMike YankRebecca ChampagneJuly 6, 2024 (2024-07-06)[a]104
"A Wyatt Place"Steve RolstonJoey ManderinoShawn Pedralba & Gemma
5"Invasion of the Bucky Snatchers"Steve RolstonJoan FordGemmaJuly 13, 2024 (2024-07-13)[a]105
"The Dining"Justin LovellJack Ferraiolo & Rachel McNevinYoshiko Aurelie Agresta
6"Training Dae"Steve RolstonJack Ferraiolo & Rachel McNevinAmmie Lieu-Dang & Riccardo DuranteJuly 13, 2024 (2024-07-13)[a]106
"Youngins & Dragons"Justin LovellElliott MayaRachel Colucci
7"Foul Play"Justin LovellJoey ManderinoAlison Jensen TsuiJuly 20, 2024 (2024-07-20)[a]107
"Catch Meat If You Can"Steve RolstonMike YankJeremy Bondy
8"When Bucky Met Barky"Justin LovellJoan FordJon AffolterJuly 20, 2024 (2024-07-20)[a]108
"The More, The Burier"Steve RolstonElliott MayaShawn Pedralba & Gemma
9"No Woman BFF'd Behind"Justin LovellTeresa KaleYoshiko Aurelie AgrestaJuly 27, 2024 (2024-07-27)[a]109
"Pet Peeves"Steve RolstonJoey ManderinoChristos Rousakos
10"Something to Tok About"Justin LovellMike YankRachel ColucciJuly 27, 2024 (2024-07-27)[a]110
"Last Fan Standing"Steve RolstonJoan FordBrian-Rey Ejar
11"Reality Check, Please!"Justin LovellElliott MayaOliver HineAugust 3, 2024 (2024-08-03)[a]111
"Their Guy Sasquatch"Steve RolstonRoma MurphyChristopher Johnson
12"Screambrook"Justin LovellRachel McNevin & Mike YankJon Affolter & Jeremy BondyOctober 5, 2024 (2024-10-05)112
13"The Return of the Living Zed"Steve RolstonJoey ManderinoYoshiko Aurelie AgrestaOctober 12, 2024 (2024-10-12)[b]113
"Paint It Blech"Justin LovellJoan FordChristos Rousakos
14"The Dark Side of the Moonies"Steve RolstonTeresa KaleBrian-Rey EjarOctober 19, 2024 (2024-10-19)[b]114
"AWOOtiful Mind"Justin LovellMike YankRachel Colucci
15"Teeny Witch"Steve RolstonJoey ManderinoOliver HineOctober 26, 2024 (2024-10-26)[b]115
"The Hunter Games"Justin LovellMike YankChristopher Johnson
16"A Fridge Too Far"Steve RolstonElliott MayaJon AffolterNovember 2, 2024 (2024-11-02)[b]116
"The Ter-meh-nator"Justin LovellRoma Murphy & Rachel McNevinJeremy Bondy
17"Waved and Confused"Justin LovellRachel McNevinRiccardo DuranteNovember 9, 2024 (2024-11-09)120
"Abandon Zip"Steve RolstonJoey ManderinoRachel Colucci
18"Crazy, Stupid, Crush"N/AN/AN/ANovember 16, 2024 (2024-11-16)118
"Ready Player"N/AN/AN/A
19"I Wanna Dance with SomeZombie"TBATBATBANovember 23, 2024 (2024-11-23)119
20"Santler Claws is Comin' to Town"TBATBATBADecember 7, 2024 (2024-12-07)117

Production

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Development

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In 2022, Descendants: Wicked World creator Aliki Theofilopoulos, and Amphibia story editor Jack Ferraiolo were approached by Disney executives to develop an animated series based on Disney Channel's Zombies franchise, which they agreed to do due to the franchise's high school setting providing multiple storytelling opportunities, having liked the Zombie films, and wanting to work together on a project.[22]

On June 15, 2022, during the Annecy Film Festival, Disney Television Animation announced development on animated series based on the Zombies franchise, titled Zombies: The Re-Animated Series, on Disney+. Writers Joseph Raso and David Light were set to return from the original trilogy as executive producers, alongside Gary Marsh, Theofilopoulos, and Ferraiolo.[23] Theofilopoulos and Ferraiolo also serve as showrunners for the series.[24]

Writing

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The producers wanted to use the series' animated format as "[an] opportunity to push ideas conceptually and visually" within the franchise.[24] They also wanted the show to have a strong focus on its ensemble cast, drawing inspiration from shows such as New Girl and Freaks and Geeks,[24] as well as teen comedies Ferraiolo watched in his youth, wanting to "juxtapose dumb ideas with achieving a goal" much like in the latter.[25] The writers wanted the series to explore issues relatable to teenagers and "blow it out of proportion" while keeping the story grounded in "the emotional truth of being a teenager".[24]

Casting

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On August 12, 2022, Meg Donnelly and Milo Manheim were confirmed to be reprising their roles as Addison and Zed from the original trilogy.[26] On November 18, 2022, Theofilopoulos confirmed that Carla Jeffery would reprise her role as Bree in the series.[27] Voice recordings for the series had already began by that point.[27] In June 2023, Ariel Martin, Chandler Kinney, Pearce Joza, Trevor Tordjman, Jonathan Langdon, James Godfrey, Kylee Russell, and Terry Hu were confirmed to be reprising their roles in the series.[28] In May 2024, it was announced that Kahyun Kim would be voicing a new character named Dae.[17]

Animation

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Animation services are provided by Atomic Cartoons.[29] Matt Doering serves as art director for the series.[30] The artists designed the characters so that they could be reminiscent of their appearance in the movies while also fitting an animated format.[25]

Music

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The series features a musical number per episode, performed by its voice cast.[17] Several songwriters from the films returned to work on the series.[31] Theofilopoulos drew inspiration from her experience in Phineas and Ferb for the show's songs, wanting to combine the humorous tone of the Phineas and Ferb songs with the musical style from the Zombies films.[25] She also drew inspiration from her experience in Descendants: Wicked World.[31]

The song "My Year" from the first film serves as the series' opening theme, with new lyrics to fit the plot of the series. The songwriters originally conceived several original songs to be used as the opening theme; the songs were ultimately used as musical numbers within the series.[31]

Release

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In 2023, Zombies: The Re-Animated Series Shorts premiered on July 21, on Disney Channel, Disney Channel's YouTube, and DisneyNOW, and later on Disney+.[32][33] In May 2024, the trailer of Zombies: The Re-Animated Series was released.[34] The television series premiered on June 28 on Disney Channel, and became available to stream the following day on Disney+.[35]

Reception

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Critical response

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Ashley Moulton of Common Sense Media gave Zombies: The Re-Animated Series a score of three out of five stars, said the series depicts positive messages and role models, citing environmentalism and the character of Addison Wells, and suggested that tweens who admire high school life can enjoy the series without encountering the more problematic aspects often associated with teenage characters in other shows.[36] John Schwarz of Bubbleblabber rated the first episode of Zombies: The Re-Animated Series 6 out of 10, appreciated the inclusion of some of the characters, and called the aesthetic of the series "fine." However, Schwarz said the show struggles to justify its existence, arguing that 2024 is an era dominated by social content appealing to younger audiences. He also found that the songs in the premiere episodes were unimpressive and that the episode premises were clichéd and rudimentary.[37] Lee Brown of The Review Geek rated Zombies: The Re-Animated Series 5.5 out of 10 and found it to be bright and silly, describing it appealing mainly to children who are already fans of the franchise, as it contains few jokes or themes that would resonate with older teens or grown-ups, though saying the series may not be particularly memorable. They stated that while the show offers occasional chuckles, it might not hold much appeal for those unfamiliar with or uninterested in the Zombies universe. However, Brown asserted that the series does provide positive messages that parents might appreciate discussing with their children.[38]

Accolades

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Zombies: The Re-Animated Series was nominated for Kids Digital – Best Web/App Series—Branded at the 2025 Kidscreen Awards.[39][40]

Notes

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i This episode was first released on Disney+ on June 29, 2024.[20]
  2. ^ a b c d This episode was first released on Disney+ on October 9, 2024.[21]

References

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  1. ^ Alexa, Laurén (May 16, 2024). "Disney Shares 'ZOMBIES: The Re-Animated Series' Trailer, Premiere Date". Animation World Network. Retrieved 2024-08-06.
  2. ^ Kelley, Aidan (June 3, 2024). "The 7 Best New Movies & Shows Coming to Disney+ in June 2024". Collider. Retrieved 2024-08-06.
  3. ^ Palmer, Roger. "Disney Reportedly Cancels "ZOMBIES: The Re-Animated Series"". What’s On Disney Plus. Retrieved 25 September 2024.
  4. ^ "Zombies: The Reanimated Series Cut Short". Anime Superhero News. 2024-09-27. Retrieved 2024-11-13.
  5. ^ "December 2024 - Programming Highlights". Tumblr. Disney Television Animation News. Retrieved 7 November 2024.
  6. ^ Joshi, Nidhi (May 21, 2024). "ZOMBIES: The Re-Animated Series Brings Back The Adventures Of Undead At Seabrook High". Pinkvilla. Retrieved 2024-08-06.
  7. ^ "Voice Of Addison (Zombies: The Re-Animated Series) – Behind The Voice Actors". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
  8. ^ "Voice Of Zed (Zombies: The Re-Animated Series) – Behind The Voice Actors". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
  9. ^ "Voice Of Winter (Zombies: The Re-Animated Series) – Behind The Voice Actors". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
  10. ^ "Voice Of Willa (Zombies: The Re-Animated Series) – Behind The Voice Actors". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
  11. ^ "Voice Of Wyatt (Zombies: The Re-Animated Series) – Behind The Voice Actors". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
  12. ^ "Voice Of Bree (Zombies: The Re-Animated Series) — Behind The Voice Actors". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
  13. ^ "Voice Of Bucky (Zombies: The Re-Animated Series) – Behind The Voice Actors". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
  14. ^ "Voice Of Bonzo (Zombies: The Re-Animated Series) – Behind The Voice Actors". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
  15. ^ "Voice Of Eliza (Zombies: The Re-Animated Series) – Behind The Voice Actors". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
  16. ^ "Voice Of A- Spen (Zombies: The Re-Animated Series) – Behind The Voice Actors". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
  17. ^ a b c McPherson, Chris (2024-05-15). "Disney's 'ZOMBIES: The Re-Animated Series' Trailer Brings Your Favorite Undead Teens Back [Exclusive]". Colldier. Retrieved 2024-05-15.
  18. ^ Palmer, Roger. "Disney Reportedly Cancels "ZOMBIES: The Re-Animated Series"". What’s On Disney Plus. Retrieved 25 September 2024.
  19. ^ a b c d e "Shows A-Z - zombies: the re-animated series on disney". The Futon Critic.
  20. ^ "Next on Disney+: June 2024". Disney Plus Press (Press release). May 20, 2024. Retrieved August 26, 2024.
  21. ^ "Next on Disney+: October 2024". Disney Plus Press (Press release). September 19, 2024. Retrieved September 25, 2024.
  22. ^ Bennett, Tara (June 7, 2024). "Toon In: Animated TV Highlights for June, from Ultraman Rising to Zombies: The Re-Animated Series". Paste. Retrieved 2024-08-06.
  23. ^ Pedersen, Lise (2022-06-15). "Disney Reveals Animated Series Slate at Annecy Festival (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Archived from the original on 2022-07-12. Retrieved 2022-11-18.
  24. ^ a b c d "Showrunners Behind Disney's 'ZOMBIES: The Re-Animated Series' Discuss the Franchise's New Incarnation". Animation Magazine. 26 June 2024. Retrieved 2024-06-26.
  25. ^ a b c AdThrive (2023-10-28). "LightBox Expo Recap: "Shorts in Short" with Disney Television Animaation's "ZOMBIES: The Re-Animated Series," "Broken Karaoke," and "Theme Song Takeover"". LaughingPlace.com. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
  26. ^ Teaser | NEW SERIES | ZOMBIES The Re-Animated Series | @disneychannel, 12 August 2022, archived from the original on 2022-11-02, retrieved 2023-06-13
  27. ^ a b Theofilopoulos, Aliki [@alikigreeky] (November 18, 2022). "So much fun with Carla today! #zombiesreanimatedseries https://t.co/OeUdsETaEw" (Tweet). Archived from the original on November 19, 2022. Retrieved April 14, 2023 – via Twitter.
  28. ^ Meg and Milo's EXCLUSIVE First Look at the NEW ZOMBIES: The Re-Animated Series | @disneychannel, 13 June 2023, archived from the original on 2023-06-13, retrieved 2023-06-13
  29. ^ "ZOMBIES: The Re-Animated Series". Atomic Cartoons. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
  30. ^ Doering, Matt [@mattdoering] (November 8, 2022). "Before the news cycle gets (extra) crazy this week, I wanted to share that I recently started a new project! I'm Art Directing "Zombies: The Re-Animated Series" at Disney TVA!! Can't wait for you all to see what @alikigreeky and @jackferraiolo have planned for the show! 🧠🧟🧠🧟 https://t.co/F3YU2H6IEm" (Tweet). Archived from the original on December 14, 2022. Retrieved April 14, 2023 – via Twitter.
  31. ^ a b c Reif, Alex (2024-06-14). "Annecy Recap: "Storytelling Through Music" with Disney Television Animation". LaughingPlace.com. Retrieved 2024-06-26.
  32. ^ Sarto, Dan (June 13, 2023). "Disney Branded Television Reveals Massive Animation Slate at Annecy 2023". Animation World Network. Retrieved 2024-08-06.
  33. ^ West-Rosenthal, Lauren Brown (July 17, 2023). "Exclusive: Meg Donnelly and Milo Manheim Share All the Details of the New 'Zombies' Animated Series". Parents. Retrieved 2024-08-06.
  34. ^ Dick, Jeremy (May 17, 2024). "Zombies: The Re-Animated Series Trailer Puts a Spin on the Disney Movie Trilogy". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved 2024-08-06.
  35. ^ Foertsch, Rachel (June 25, 2024). "Milo Manheim & Meg Donnelly On Zed And Addison's Romance In ZOMBIES: The Re-Animated Series". Screen Rant. Retrieved 2024-08-06.
  36. ^ Moulton, Ashley. "Zombies: The Re-Animated Series TV Review | Common Sense Media". Common Sense Media. Retrieved 2024-08-06.
  37. ^ Schwarz, John (2024-06-29). "Review: ZOMBIES: The Re-Animated Series "Re-Senior Year / I Scream Zoda" ; "Rage Against the Vending Machine / Young, Wild, and Free Period"". Bubbleblabber. Retrieved 2024-11-13.
  38. ^ Brown, Lee (August 7, 2024). "ZOMBIES: The Re-Animated Series Season 1 Review – Assorted hijinks featuring the monsters of SeaBrook High". The Review Geek. Retrieved August 16, 2024.
  39. ^ Tuchow, Ryan (November 25, 2024). "The 2025 Kidscreen Awards Shortlist is Out!". Kidscreen. Retrieved 2024-12-09.
  40. ^ "Kidscreen Awards". Kidscreen Awards. Brunico Communications. Retrieved 2024-12-09.
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