Edgar Wright Rules Out 'Shaun of the Dead' Sequel
Last year marked the 20th anniversary of Edgar Wright’s Shaun of the Dead, a beloved zombie comedy. Despite fans hoping for a follow-up, Wright has confirmed there are no plans for a sequel.
Wright’s Perspective on a Sequel
During a promotional interview for his new film The Running Man, Wright explained that both he and longtime collaborator Simon Pegg feel there is no creative fuel left for more Shaun adventures.
“A lot of sequels don’t really earn their keep because all the story has been told in the first movie. […] Shaun goes from being a kind of sad sack to being a hero by the end of the movie. So it’s very difficult to start the next movie when there’s no obvious arc.”
Wright’s Attitude Toward Sequels
Wright’s filmography suggests he rarely pursues direct sequels. His closest works to sequels are the Cornetto trilogy and, arguably, Scott Pilgrim Takes Off. Though the zombie genre often extends stories through sequels and spinoffs, Wright prefers standalone films.
Zombie Genre Sequels and Spin-offs
- The Walking Dead has spawned multiple spin-offs and sequel series.
- Zombieland, frequently compared to Shaun of the Dead, developed into a franchise with a sequel film and TV spin-off in 2019.
- Decades-later sequels have become common, especially from major studios like Disney.
Despite the trend for follow-ups in the zombie genre, Wright stays true to his vision by closing the door on Shaun’s continued story.
Author's summary: Edgar Wright confirms there will be no sequel to Shaun of the Dead, stating the original’s story was complete and there’s no narrative arc for a follow-up.