‘Rebirth of the Living Dead’ Will Be a Direct Sequel to John A. Russo’s ‘Return of the Living Dead’ Novel
The 1980s horror-comedy
The Return of the Living Dead originally began its life as a novel penned by original
Night of the Living Dead co-writer
John A. Russo, serving as Russo’s own sequel to the Romero classic. Dan O’Bannon’s movie ended up becoming a very different experience altogether, but now Russo’s original source novel is getting a movie sequel.
Bloody Disgusting has learned this week that John A. Russo will return to the world of the Living Dead as producer on the upcoming horror movie
Rebirth of the Living Dead.
Production is officially underway on
Rebirth of the Living Dead, a new independent horror feature serving as a direct sequel to the 1978 novel
Return of the Living Dead by legendary horror author and
Night of the Living Dead co-creator John A. Russo.
Described as a brutal continuation of Russo’s original undead mythology,
Rebirth of the Living Dead aims to blend the iconic style and pacing of the original classic, with a gruesome twist, while honoring the legacy of one of horror’s most influential creators.
Here’s the synopsis: The newest drug on the streets is “Trioxin Trash” and it’s turning users into brain-hungry members of the living dead! This direct feature film follow-up to Russo’s original 1978
Return of The Living Dead novel follows a young couple who are attacked in the woods and seek help from an outcast Scientist who uses “pain therapy” to ward off hunger.
The film is being directed by
Dustin Ferguson (
Seed: Legacy) for SoCal Cinema Studios. The cast includes
Nathan Bexton (
Nowhere, Go!),
Barbara Magnolfi (
Suspiria), and
Brinke Stevens (
The Slumber Party Massacre), along with
Michelle Bauer (
Hollywood Chainsaw Hookers),
Jennifer Moriarty (
Spider Baby), and
DieTrich Thrall of Lords of Acid.
Rebirth of the Living Dead is set for release on
October 1, 2026. The film is currently around 50% complete, and
the team is raising finishing funds from fans through Indiegogo.
