Night of the Living Dead: Darkest Dawn

Last updated
Night of the Living Dead: Darkest Dawn
Night of the Living Dead Darkest Dawn.jpg
Theatrical poster
Directed byKrisztian Majdik, Zebediah De Soto
Written byZebediah De Soto, David R. Schwartz
Produced by Simon West
Jib Polhemus
Gus Malliarodakis
Starring Tony Todd
Danielle Harris
Bill Moseley
R. Madhavan
Joseph Pilato
Sydney Tamiia Poitier
Alona Tal
Tom Sizemore
CinematographyGabriel Sabloff
Edited byKrisztian Majdik
Music byJermaine Stegall
Release date
  • July 11, 2015 (2015-07-11)
(Walker Stalker Fan Fest)
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Night of the Living Dead: Darkest Dawn, also known as Night of the Living Dead: Origins and Night of the Living Dead: Origins 3D, is a 2015 animated horror film directed by Krisztian Majdik and Zebediah De Soto and produced by Simon West. [1] [2] The film is a re-telling of the original Night of the Living Dead in a contemporary setting.

Contents

Premise

An animated re-telling of the original Night of the Living Dead film. Set in modern-day New York City rather than 1960s rural Pennsylvania. Centers on a group of desperate survivors fighting to stay alive barricaded in an abandoned apartment building. Confined, cut off from the world, and under constant attack from the undead hordes closing in around them, the six main characters struggle to survive while also confronting their own sense of compassion and humanity.

Cast

Production

The film had been in production on and off for five years since 2009. [12] According to Tony Todd, the film had two different directors with two different approaches at different points in time. [13] The film features visual effects from The Graphic Film Company, Los Angeles, which relied on the iPi Soft iPi Motion Capture markerless motion capture software. The software’s ability allows the filmmakers to produce very large amounts of moving zombies on screen and also allows the actors to motion capture their performances as if they were acting on a real film set. [14]

Mos Def was originally cast as a voice actor, [15] but after a short time, he was released from the project. [16] Both Todd and Moseley would be reprising their roles as Ben and Johnny, respectively, from the 1990 version of the film. Indian actor R. Madhavan was signed on to play a role in mid 2013. [17]

Release and reception

The film was reported to be complete in May 2014. A theatrical release across the United States of America was planned in the fall of 2014. However this did not happen. [14] The film later premiered at 2015 Comic Con held in San Diego as a part of the Walker Stalker Fan Fest, during July 2015. [18] The film was later released in October 2015 on iTunes and OnDemand stations across the United States.

To date there have been no reviews collected by Rotten Tomatoes . [19]

Related Research Articles

<i>Night of the Living Dead</i> 1968 American horror film

Night of the Living Dead is a 1968 American independent horror film directed, photographed, and edited by George A. Romero, written by Romero and John Russo, produced by Russell Streiner and Karl Hardman, and starring Duane Jones and Judith O'Dea. The story follows seven people trapped in a farmhouse in rural Pennsylvania, under assault by reanimated corpses. Although the flesh-eating monsters that appear in the film are referred to as "ghouls", they are credited with popularizing the modern portrayal of zombies in popular culture.

<i>Dawn of the Dead</i> (1978 film) 1978 zombie horror film by George A. Romero

Dawn of the Dead  is a 1978 zombie horror film written, directed, and edited by George A. Romero, and produced by Richard P. Rubinstein. An American-Italian international co-production, it is the second film in Romero's series of zombie films, and though it contains no characters or settings from the preceding film Night of the Living Dead (1968), it shows the larger-scale effects of a zombie apocalypse on society. In the film, a phenomenon of unidentified origin has caused the reanimation of the dead, who prey on human flesh. David Emge, Ken Foree, Scott Reiniger, and Gaylen Ross star as survivors of the outbreak who barricade themselves inside a suburban shopping mall amid mass hysteria.

<i>Dawn of the Dead</i> (2004 film) 2004 film by Zack Snyder

Dawn of the Dead is a 2004 action horror film directed by Zack Snyder in his feature directorial debut, with a screenplay by James Gunn. A remake of George A. Romero's 1978 film of the same name, it stars an ensemble cast that includes Sarah Polley, Ving Rhames, Jake Weber, and Mekhi Phifer, with Scott Reiniger, Tom Savini, and Ken Foree from the original film appearing in cameos. Set in Milwaukee, the film follows a group of survivors who try to survive a zombie apocalypse holed up in a suburban shopping mall.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chop Top</span> Fictional character

Robert Sawyer, better known as "Chop-Top" is a fictional character from The Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise; created by Tobe Hooper and L. M. Kit Carson, Chop-Top makes his first appearance in the film The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 (1986) as one of the film's villains and the main source of its black humor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tony Todd</span> American actor

Tony Todd is an American actor who is perhaps best known for portraying the title character in the Candyman film series (1992–2021).

<i>Night of the Living Dead</i> (1990 film) 1990 film by Tom Savini

Night of the Living Dead is a 1990 American horror film directed by Tom Savini and starring Tony Todd and Patricia Tallman. It is a remake of George A. Romero's 1968 film of the same title; Romero rewrote the original 1968 screenplay he had originally co-authored with John A. Russo.

<i>Night of the Living Dead 3D</i> 2006 American film

Night of the Living Dead 3D or Night of the Living DE3D is a 2006 horror film made in 3D. It is the second remake of the 1968 horror classic Night of the Living Dead. The first remake was released in 1990 and was directed by Tom Savini from a revised screenplay by George A. Romero. Unlike the first remake, no one involved with the original is involved with this version. The original film was never properly copyrighted, and so it has fallen into the public domain, making this remake possible with no permission from the original's creators.

HALO-8 Entertainment is an independent film company specializing in genre cinema, documentaries, midnight movies, music-driven lifestyle videos, and animation. Its most popular releases include the films Pop Skull and Threat, the animated series Godkiller and Xombie, the fitness yoga franchise, Fitness For Indie Rockers, and the documentaries Grant Morrison: Talking With Gods, Your Mommy Kills Animals, N.Y.H.C., and Ctrl+Alt+Compete.

<i>Dead Air</i> (2009 film) 2009 American film

Dead Air is a 2009 American science fiction-horror film directed by Corbin Bernsen and starring Bill Moseley and Patricia Tallman. The story focuses on a radio station that warns its listeners after an explosion unleashes zombies into Los Angeles. Screenwriter Kenny Yakkel explained before the film's release that the "undead" presented are not actual zombies: "It's like a PCP zombie movie, that's my take on it 'cause they're not really dead."

Texas Frightmare Weekend is a horror-oriented for-profit media event held annually in the Dallas, Texas, area. The weekend is a way for fans of the horror genre to connect with fellow horror lovers, meet guests that work in the genre, discover new films, and buy merchandise.

Curse of the Maya is a 2004 American horror film written, directed by and starring David Heavener.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Douglas Tait (actor)</span> American actor, stuntman, and independent filmmaker (born 1978)

Douglas Tait is an American actor, and independent filmmaker. Tait has played characters in several films, including Freddy vs. Jason, Star Trek, Zathura: A Space Adventure, Land of the Lost, Annabelle Comes Home, and Hellboy.

Night of the Living Dead 3D: Re-Animation is a 2012 horror film prequel to the 2006 film, Night of the Living Dead 3D. It stars Andrew Divoff, who also served as co-producer, Jeffrey Combs, Sarah Lieving and Denice Duff.

<i>Vanish</i> (film) 2015 American film

Vanish is a 2015 thriller film written and directed by Bryan Bockbrader. It stars Maiara Walsh, Austin Abke, Bockbrader, and Adam Guthrie. Tony Todd and Danny Trejo appear in cameos. Walsh plays a kidnapping victim who both manipulates her captors and becomes a pawn in their individual plots. The entire film takes place from inside the van used to kidnap her character. Dark Sky Films released it to video on demand and on DVD on February 24, 2015.

<i>Shed of the Dead</i> 2019 British film

Shed of the Dead is a 2019 British comedy horror film directed by Drew Cullingham and produced by Nicholas David Lean & James Fisher.

<i>Disciples</i> (film) 2014 film by Joe Hollow

Disciples is a 2014 American horror film written, directed, produced, and edited by Joe Hollow. It stars an ensemble cast consisting of Tom Lodewyck, Tony Todd, Angus Scrimm, Linnea Quigley, Brinke Stevens, Debra Lamb, Bill Moseley, Barbara Magnolfi, Debbie Rochon, and Camden Toy. It tells the story of a group of humans and demons who must band together to fight for the fate of humanity.

<i>Night of the Living Dead</i> remakes

Numerous Night of the Living Dead remakes have adapted and reimagined the seminal 1968 horror film. It has been remade more than any other movie. The distributor mistakenly released it without a copyright and directly into the public domain. When changing the title from Night of the Flesh Eaters, The Walter Reade Organization also removed the only copyright notice in the film. This absence of copyright protection allowed filmmakers to adapt the original work without permission from the film's production company. A protracted court case found that the creators, Image Ten, did not hold the copyright, and the film's creators received little of its millions in revenue. Bill Hinzman, who played the cemetery zombie in the original film, directed Flesheater in 1988. Flesheater has similarities but is considered an homage rather than a direct remake. The first official remake in 1990 roughly followed the original film's script and involved members of the original crew. They were partly motivated by the missed revenue from the original film. The 1990 version was atypical for a Hollywood remake in having the support of the original film's director, George A. Romero, and other creators. Rumors of another studio planning to remake the public domain film without his involvement spurred Romero into action. In the following years, there were many unofficial remakes. The film has seen an official color remake, an unofficial 3D version, and many independent remakes.

References

  1. J.C. Maçek III (2012-06-15). "The Zombification Family Tree: Legacy of the Living Dead". PopMatters . Archived from the original on 2017-07-03. Retrieved 2019-11-13.
  2. "Moseley, Mos Def Join 'Night of the Living Dead: Origins 3D' Cast".
  3. Exclusive: First Look at Tony Todd as Ben as Night of the Living Dead: Origins
  4. Six join Night of Living Dead voice cast
  5. "Bill Moseley Talks Night Of The Living Dead: Origins". Archived from the original on 2012-08-14. Retrieved 2010-02-11.
  6. Madhavan is excited to stay at George Harrison’s iconic house
  7. Exclusive Early Character Test Rendering: Night of the Living Dead Origins
  8. "Tony Todd, Sydney Tamiia Poitier Will Star In A 'Night Of The Living Dead' Reboot In 3D - Shadow and Act". Archived from the original on 2016-01-18. Retrieved 2013-12-21.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  9. More Cast Added to Night of the Living Dead: Origins
  10. Two More Lend Their Voices to Night of the Living Dead: Origins
  11. New Promo Art: Night of the Living Dead: Origins
  12. Turek, Ryan (2015-05-09). "Night of the Living Dead: Origins 3D is Finally Done and Screening". ShockTillYouDrop.com . Retrieved 2017-10-04.
  13. Gingold, Michael (2015-07-02). "Q&A: Tony Todd Talks "NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD: DARKEST DAWN" and More". Fangoria . Retrieved 2017-10-04.
  14. 1 2 Barton, Steve (2014-05-09). "Night of the Living Dead: Origins Shambles to Cannes". Dread Central . Retrieved 2017-10-04.
  15. Barton, Steve (2009-10-04). "Casting for NOTLD: Origins Coming Together". Dread Central . Retrieved 2017-10-04.
  16. Barton, Steve (2009-09-28). "Exclusive: First Look at Night of the Living Dead: Origins". Dread Central . Retrieved 2017-10-04.
  17. Fleming, Mike Jr. (2013-08-15). "A 3D 'Night Of The Living Dead' Re-Do In Works With Bollywood Star R. Madhavan". Deadline Hollywood . Retrieved 2017-10-04.
  18. Roberts, Lauren. "2015 Comic Con San Diego Hosts Walker Stalker Fan Fest, Highlighting The Walking Dead". FanSided . Retrieved 2017-10-04.
  19. "Night of the Living Dead: Origins (2014)". Rotten Tomatoes . Retrieved June 20, 2021.