Are you ready for more brains?! The fan-favorite zombie franchise Return of the Living Dead is making a comeback in Christmas 2025. This isn’t a reboot or remake—it’s a brand-new adventure that continues the dark humor and edgy thrills of the original 1985 cult classic. Fans can expect the same Trioxin-fueled chaos, but with fresh twists and a retro filmmaking approach.
A Vintage Approach to Filmmaking
The filmmakers behind Return of the Living Dead (2025) are committed to practical effects and in-camera storytelling. The teaser clip (watch below), titled A Stolen Christmas Tree, was created without CGI or greenscreen, relying entirely on handcrafted costumes and effects. Living Dead Media and director Steve Wolsh (Fog City, Muck) worked closely with Snow Business, a world-renowned weather effects company responsible for projects like The Day After Tomorrow and The Force Awakens.
Creating the film’s snowy cemetery setting required over 40 gallons of artificial snow per hour at a cost of $50,000 a day. The team built a realistic graveyard from scratch, complete with iron fencing and nearly 100 gravestones.
Story Details: Zombies in a Blizzard
Set 18 months after the events of The Return of the Living Dead (1985), the new installment takes place in the winter of 1985. A Trioxin 2-4-5 leak sparks another zombie outbreak—this time in a quiet Pennsylvania town. Adding to the chaos, the characters must survive not only the undead but also brutal blizzard conditions. And yes, Tarman is back, ready to wreak havoc in this wintry horror adventure.
“Tarman is BACK and will be here in time for next Christmas!” states the official info. “The next installment of RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD will hit theaters Christmas 2025. Taking place 18 months after the events at the UNEEDA Warehouse in Louisville, KY, a new Trioxin 2-4-5 leak puts a small Pennsylvania town on the brink of a zombie outbreak during Christmas, 1985.”
Release Information
Return of the Living Dead (2025) will hit theaters just in time for Christmas 2025, distributed by WithAnO Productions. Keep updated at returnofthelivingdead.com.
Watch the Return of the Living Dead 2025 announcement teaser:
