#FIRSTLOOK: “ZOMBIES” SEASON FIVE ANNOUNCEMENT

A fifth installment of the hit Disney Channel Original Movie “ZOMBIES” franchise has been greenlit for Disney+ and Disney Channel, with Malachi Barton and Freya Skye set to return to their breakout roles as Victor and Nova. Franchise stars Milo Manheim and Meg Donnelly return to executive produce, while Trevor Tordjman returns as Bucky, the beloved cheer captain and cousin of Addison from the original trilogy. The film begins production this spring in New Zealand. An official title will be announced at a later date.

Following the events of “ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires,” the newfound peace between the Daywalkers and Vampires is put to the test when a band of fierce mermaids arrives in Rayburn, making waves and casting a persuasive siren song to lure in new allies. Nova and Victor must unite their groups once more to discover what the mermaids are really after in order to protect the fragile harmony they worked so hard to build.

The returning cast includes Malachi Barton as Victor, Freya Skye as Nova, Swayam Bhatia as Vera, Julian Lerner as Ray, and Mekonnen Knife as Vargas from “ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires.” New to the franchise are a trio of mysterious mermaids: Diaana Babnicova as cool-girl Pearl, Taylor Oliver as bad-boy Fin, and Olive Mortimer as tech-wiz Sandy. Emily Costtrici joins the cast as zombie Izzy, Zed’s zombie cousin and new transfer student.

DGA Award-winner Paul Hoen, director and executive producer of the entire “ZOMBIES” franchise, will return for this latest installment. Also returning are executive producers Jane Fleming, Mark Ordesky, Joseph Raso and David Light and producer Skot Bright, alongside Manheim and Donnelly. The movie features next-level dance sequences, choreographed by Dondraico Johnson, and an original score composed by Tom Howe. Joining the creative team are writers Chris Hazzard, Michael Fontana and Eydie Faye.

“‘ZOMBIES’ has become a defining franchise for the current generation,” said Ayo Davis, president, Disney Branded Television. “With each movie, we intentionally push the story somewhere new. Introducing mermaids in ‘ZOMBIES 5’ opens up a completely different dynamic, while staying true to the music, characters and themes of unity and acceptance that are at the heart of these films.”

The summer 2024 premiere of “ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires” garnered 9.3 million views globally in its first nine days streaming, amassing 43 million views in less than 6 months.*

The “ZOMBIES 5” greenlight news comes during a landmark year for Disney Channel fans, as 2026 celebrates the milestone anniversaries of “High School Musical” and “Hannah Montana,” leading into the premieres of new franchise installments “Descendants: Wicked Wonderland” and “Camp Rock 3” this summer. Last summer’s smash hit “Descendants/ZOMBIES Worlds Collide Tour” now includes a concert special streaming on Disney+, and it was just announced that the “Worlds Collide Tour” will return this year with talent from “Descendants,” “ZOMBIES” and “Camp Rock” franchises.

“ZOMBIES,” ZOMBIES 2,” “ZOMBIES 3,” “ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires,” and “ZOMBIES: The Re-Animated Series” are now streaming on Disney+ and can be found in the “ZOMBIES” Collection on the service. The all-new short-form series “Locker Diaries: ZOMBIES” is now available on Disney+ with additional episodes rolling out every Saturday until mid-April.

*Source: Internal Disney+ streaming data

ABOUT DISNEY+

Disney+ is the dedicated streaming home for movies and shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic, along with The Simpsons and outside the U.S., general entertainment brand Hulu. As the flagship direct-to-consumer streaming service from The Walt Disney Company, Disney+ serves as a connection point for audiences around the world with an unmatched collection of award-winning general entertainment and gold-standard family programming. With unprecedented access to Disney’s long history of incredible film and television entertainment, it is also the exclusive streaming home for the newest releases from The Walt Disney Studios. Subscriptions also include access to the Disney+ Perks loyalty program including special discounts, everyday savings, and early access to exclusive experiences that only Disney can offer. For more, visit disneyplus.com, or find the Disney+ app on most mobile and connected TV devices.

#NEWMUSIC: “DESCENDANTS/ZOMBIES WORLDS COLLIDE: CONCERT SPECIAL” COMING TO DISNEY+

The “Descendants/ZOMBIES Worlds Collide: Concert Special” is coming to Disney+ and Disney Channel. The special will premiere February 19 on Disney Channel and will be available to stream the next day, February 20, 2026 on Disney+.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuQl9UYS3sA

Celebrating the high-energy music from the iconic “Descendants” and “ZOMBIES” franchises, the “Descendants/ZOMBIES Worlds Collide Tour” thrilled sold-out crowds in over 40 arenas across North America last summer. Now, families and fans of all ages can relive the excitement, singing and dancing along with their favourite stars from the comfort of home.

Starring Kylie Cantrall, Freya Skye, Malia Baker, Malachi Barton, Dara Reneé, Joshua Colley and Mekonnen Knife, the special delivers show-stopping performances, exclusive backstage access, never-before-seen footage, and a front-row seat to the electrifying concert — and fun on the road.

The concert event also includes special guest performances by Meg Donnelly, Milo Manheim, Liamani Segura and Rita Ora.

“Descendants/ZOMBIES Worlds Collide: Concert Special” is produced by Fulwell 73 Productions, the acclaimed team behind the EmmyⓇ-nominated Disney concert specials “The Lion King Live at the Hollywood Bowl,” “Encanto at the Hollywood Bowl” and the Emmy Award-winning “Elton John Live: Farewell from Dodger Stadium.” Gabe Turner, Sally Wood and Lou Fox serve as executive producers, with Paul Dugdale directing. Disney Concerts produced the AEG Presents-promoted live concert tour. Amy Tinkham served as the tour’s creative director, with video direction and choreography by Scotty Nguyen.

Get ready for the concert special by watching all your favourite “Descendants” and “ZOMBIES” movies and series. All available to watch now on Disney+.

In conjunction with the Disney+ debut, Disney Music Group will release the “Descendants/ZOMBIES: Worlds Collide Tour – The Live Album” on February 20 across all major digital platforms, capturing the excitement of the blockbuster 2025 North American tour. The album features mash‑ups and high‑energy performances across 24 tracks, showcasing the spirit of a tour recognized as Best Family Tour in Billboard’s Year-End Touring Report 2025. The tour also earned a nomination for Pollstar’s Family Event for Non-Music Tour of the Year, highlighting its breakout success with audiences nationwide. Fans can now listen to the official “Worlds Collide” playlist here. The album will include the tracklist below.
o “Worlds Collide” – Performed by Kylie Cantrall, Freya Skye, Malia Baker, Malachi Barton, Dara Reneé, Joshua Colley and Mekonnen Knife

o “Red” – Performed by Kylie Cantrall

o “The Place to Be” – Performed by Freya Skye and Malachi Barton

o “Fired Up/Did I Mention” – Performed by Malachi Barton, Joshua Colley and Mekonnen Knife

o “Rotten to the Core/BAMM” – Performed by Kylie Cantrall, Freya Skye, Malia Baker, Malachi Barton, Joshua Colley and Mekonnen Knife

o “Perfect Revenge/What’s My Name” – Performed by Dara Reneé and Joshua Colley

o “Life Is Sweeter” – Performed by Kylie Cantrall, Freya Skye, Malia Baker, Malachi Barton, Dara Reneé, Joshua Colley and Mekonnen Knife

o “Like the Zombies Do/Chillin’ Like a Villain” – Performed by Kylie Cantrall, Freya Skye, Malia Baker, Malachi Barton, Dara Reneé, Joshua Colley and Mekonnen Knife

o “Someday” – Performed by Freya Skye and Malachi Barton

o “Dream Come True” – Performed by Freya Skye and Malachi Barton

o “Good to Be Bad” – Performed by Malia Baker and Mekonnen Knife

o “Love Ain’t It” – Performed by Kylie Cantrall

o “Flesh & Bone/It’s Goin’ Down” – Performed by Kylie Cantrall, Freya Skye, Malia Baker, Malachi Barton, Dara Reneé, Joshua Colley and Mekonnen Knife

o “We Own the Night/Call to the Wild” – Performed by Dara Reneé, Joshua Colley and Mekonnen Knife

o “Don’t Mess with Us” – Performed by Freya Skye and Malachi Barton

o “Ways to Be Wicked” – Performed by Kylie Cantrall, Malia Baker, Joshua Colley and Mekonnen Knife

o “Queen of Mean” – Performed by Dara Reneé

o “Alien Invasion” – Performed by Kylie Cantrall, Freya Skye, Malia Baker, Malachi Barton, Dara Reneé, Joshua Colley and Mekonnen Knife

o “If Only” – Performed by Malia Baker

o “Space Between” – Performed by Kylie Cantrall and Malia Baker

o “My Own Way” – Performed by Freya Skye

o “Shuffle of Love” – Performed by Malachi Barton, Joshua Colley and Mekonnen Knife

o “Legends in the Making” – Performed by Kylie Cantrall, Freya Skye, Malia Baker, Malachi Barton, Dara Reneé, Joshua Colley and Mekonnen Knife

o “Set it off (Encore)” – Performed by Kylie Cantrall, Freya Skye, Malia Baker, Malachi Barton, Dara Reneé, Joshua Colley and Mekonnen Knife

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TRAILER FOR “ZOMBIES 4: DAWN OF THE VAMPIRES”

The official trailer an for “ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires” are now available. The highly anticipated Disney Channel Original Movie premieres Thursday, July 10, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. EDT/PDT on Disney Channel and will stream globally the next day, Friday, July 11, 2025 on Disney+.

In the first three ZOMBIES movies, Zed and Addison brought human and monster kind together in their hometown of Seabrook. Now, a new adventure dawns for the duo when their summer road trip takes an unexpected detour, landing them in the middle of yet another monster rivalry: Daywalkers vs. Vampires. Tensions flare when Zed and Addison find themselves acting as camp counselors between the two opposing supernatural factions. With the help of Eliza and Willa, they must convince sworn enemies Nova and Victor to try to unite their warring worlds before an even greater threat endangers them all.

“ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires” stars Milo Manheim, Meg Donnelly, Kylee Russell, Chandler Kinney, Malachi Barton, Freya Skye, Julian Lerner, Swayam Bhatia, Mekonnen Knife, Lisa Chappell and Jonno Roberts.

Paul Hoen directs, with a screenplay by David Light & Joseph Raso and Josh Cagan. Executive producers include Hoen, Manheim, Donnelly, Light, Raso, Jane Fleming (“The Quest”) and Mark Ordesky (“The Lord of the Rings” trilogy). Mahita P. Simpson serves as co-executive producer alongside co-producer Cagan and producer Skot Bright. “ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires” is a production from Night Zone Productions Limited.

The movies have also garnered nearly a quarter billion streaming hours, becoming one of the most popular Disney Channel Original Movie franchises on Disney+.*

“ZOMBIES,” “ZOMBIES 2” and “ZOMBIES 3” are currently available on Disney+.

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TEASER FOR “ZOMBIES 4: DAWN OF THE VAMPIRES”

Today, Disney released the first official sneak peek at “ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires,” the latest installment of the music-fueled, smash-hit “ZOMBIES” franchise. The teaser reunites fan-favourites Milo Manheim and Meg Donnelly as beloved zombie-cheerleader power couple Zed and Addison while introducing Freya Skye and Malachi Barton as the latest supernatural arrivals: Nova, a fierce Daywalker, and Victor, a proud Vampire. The Disney Channel Original Movie premieres Thursday, July 10, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. EDT/PDT on Disney Channel and will stream globally the next day, Friday, July 11, 2025 on Disney+.

In the first three “ZOMBIES” movies, Zed and Addison brought human and monsterkind together in their hometown of Seabrook. Now, a new adventure dawns for the duo when their summer road trip takes an unexpected detour, landing them in the middle of yet another monster rivalry: Daywalkers vs. Vampires. Tensions flare when Zed and Addison find themselves acting as camp counselors between the two opposing supernatural factions. With the help of Eliza and Willa, they must convince sworn enemies Nova and Victor to try to unite their warring worlds before an even greater threat endangers them all.

In addition to Donnelly, Manheim, Barton and Skye, “ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires” stars a multitalented ensemble cast, including Kylee Russell as Eliza, Chandler Kinney as Willa, Julian Lerner as Ray, Swayam Bhatia as Vera, Mekonnen Knife as Vargas, Lisa Chappell as Vampire Eldress, and Jonno Roberts as Commander Bright. Beloved for its high-energy song-and-dance elements, the next installment in the “ZOMBIES” franchise packs nine new original songs and two reprises of fan-favourite hits, “Someday” and “Ain’t No Doubt About It.” The movie features next-level dance sequences, choreographed by Dondraico Johnson, and an original score composed by Tom Howe.

Paul Hoen, who directed all three previous “ZOMBIES” films, returns to helm this installment. With a screenplay by Joseph Light, David Raso and Josh Cagan, “ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires” is executive produced by Hoen, Manheim, Donnelly, Light, Raso, Jane Fleming (“The Quest”) and Mark Ordesky (“The Lord of the Rings” trilogy). Mahita P. Simpson serves as co-executive producer alongside co-producer Josh Cagan and producer Skot Bright. “ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires” is a production from Night Zone Productions Limited.

The movies have also garnered nearly a quarter billion streaming hours, becoming one of the most popular Disney Channel Original Movie franchises on Disney+.*

This summer, the “Descendants/ZOMBIES: Worlds Collide Tour” will visit over 43 arenas across North America, celebrating the music from “ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires” alongside fan-favourite hits from the wildly popular Disney Channel Original Movie franchises “Descendants” and “ZOMBIES.”

“ZOMBIES,” “ZOMBIES 2” and “ZOMBIES 3” are currently available on Disney+.

#FIRSTLOOK: MARVEL STUDIOS ANIMATION PANEL AT 2022 SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON

Some cool new previews were unveiled today at San Diego Comic-Con. New upcoming Marvel Studios Animation Series were unveiled at I AM GROOT, SPIDER-MAN: FRESHMAN YEAR, X-MEN ’97, MARVEL ZOMBIES and WHAT IF…?.

Here are some of the exciting updates headed our way!

I AM GROOT

“I Am Groot” writer/director/executive producer Kirsten Lepore answered questions about the upcoming series and treated the audience to the trailer and new key art. A surprise screening of one of the shorts, “Groot Takes a Bath,” delighted everyone, and applause greeted the announcement of a second collection of shorts.

There’s no guarding the galaxy from this mischievous toddler! So get ready as Baby Groot takes center stage in his very own collection of shorts, exploring his glory days growing up—and getting into trouble—among the stars. “I Am Groot,” five original shorts featuring several new and unusual characters, stars everyone’s favorite little tree, Baby Groot, voiced by Vin Diesel, who voices Groot in the “Guardians of the Galaxy” franchise.

The executive producers are Kevin Feige, Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Brad Winderbaum and James Gunn.

“I Am Groot” launches exclusively on Disney+ August 10, with all five shorts available for viewing.

SPIDER-MAN: FRESHMAN YEAR

Jeff Trammell teased the show with the cast of characters, and Ryan Meinerding showed off the new Spider-Man suit designed for the series. A fun reveal was that moderator Paul F. Tompkins will be playing a character in the series. A second season was also announced, aptly titled “Spider-Man: Sophomore Year.”

“Spider-Man: Freshman Year” is an animated series that follows Peter Parker on his way to becoming Spider-Man in the MCU, with a journey unlike we’ve ever seen and a style that celebrates the character’s early comic book roots. Executive producer Jeff Trammel serves as head writer.

“Spider-Man: Freshman Year” comes exclusively to Disney+ in 2024.

WHAT IF…?

Bryan Andrews and AC Bradley talked about the Emmy-nominated series and showed the trailer for Season Two. The audience went wild when, at the end of the presentation, a surprise screening of one episode of the highly anticipated next season was shown, and a third season was announced.

“What If…?” Season 2 continues the journey with The Watcher as our guide through the vast multiverse, introducing brand new and familiar faces throughout the MCU. The animated series questions, revisits, and twists classic Marvel Cinematic moments with an incredible voice cast that includes a host of stars who reprise their iconic roles. Directed by executive producer Bryan Andrews with executive producer AC Bradley as head writer.

Season two of “What If…?” launches exclusively on Disney+ in early 2023.

MARVEL ZOMBIES

Bryan Andrews offered background on the series and its origins spawning from an episode of “What If…?” Season 1, as well as concept art.

The animated series “Marvel Zombies” from Marvel Studios reimagines the Marvel Universe as a new generation of heroes battle against an ever-spreading zombie scourge. Directed by executive producer Bryan Andrews and written by executive producer Zeb Wells.

“Marvel Zombies” will stream exclusively on Disney+.

X-MEN ’97

Cheers erupted when Brad Winderbaum spoke fondly of the legacy of “X-Men: The Animated Series” and presented a sizzle reel featuring cast and creatives from the popular ‘90s animated show. “X-Men ‘97” writer and executive producer Beau DeMayo then spoke about the new series, shared artwork, and presented an animatic AV piece. DeMayo also mentioned that the show will use the original “X-Men” theme music. A second season was also announced.

“X-MEN ’97” is an animated series from Marvel Studios that explores new stories in the iconic ’90s timeline of the original series. Beau DeMayo is executive producer and head writer.

“X-Men ’97”” will begin streaming exclusively on Disney+ Fall 2023.