Zack Snyder and James Gunn's Dawn of the Dead Leaving Netflix: A Modern Zombie Classic
Zack Snyder and James Gunn collaborated on the 2004 zombie film Dawn of the Dead, which is set to leave Netflix’s streaming platform next month. The movie, directed by Snyder and written by Gunn, is a modern retelling of George Romero’s 1978 classic of the same name. Starting May 1, 2026, Netflix subscribers will no longer have access to Dawn of the Dead.
The plot of the remake revolves around Ana and a small group of survivors navigating a world overrun by zombies. Seeking refuge in a large shopping complex, the group faces internal conflicts and the constant threat of the undead. As they struggle to survive, they must devise a plan to escape before resources dwindle or they fall victim to the zombies.
Producers Marc Abraham and Eric Newman acquired the rights to remake the film from Richard P. Rubinstein, who initially hesitated but eventually agreed. Gunn was brought on board to write the screenplay, followed by Snyder as the director, despite his background in commercials and music videos. The cast of Dawn of the Dead includes Sarah Polley, Ving Rhames, Jake Weber, Mekhi Phifer, Ty Burrell, Michael Kelly, and Kevin Zegers.
Due to its intense action sequences and graphic violence, the movie received an R rating upon release. Distributed by Universal Pictures on March 19, 2004, the film was promoted by airing the first 10 minutes on television for four consecutive days. Dawn of the Dead garnered positive reviews from critics and audiences alike, earning a 77% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite its modest $26 million budget, the movie grossed $102.2 million worldwide.
In conclusion, Dawn of the Dead, a remake of the classic zombie film, will be leaving Netflix next month. Directed by Zack Snyder and written by James Gunn, the movie follows a group of survivors navigating a world overrun by zombies. With its intense action and positive reception, the film has become a notable entry in the zombie genre.