Zack Snyder's upcoming zombie action film Army of the Dead isn't even out yet, but Netflix has already green-lit both a film prequel and an anime series.
Deadline reports that Army of the Dead will be followed by a prequel directed by and starring Matthias Schweighöfer, who also leads Snyder's original. The movie will follow his character Ludwig Deiter, while Shay Hatten, one of the writers of the first film, is penning the script for the prequel and the anime.
"I’m incredibly excited for the opportunity to partner with Netflix again as we expand the Army of the Dead universe with both an international prequel, as well as exploring the visually dynamic world of animation," said Snyder of the announcement.
"It’s been a great collaboration and we are thrilled that Netflix sees this as big of an IP as we do." Schweighöfer added, "It has already been a great pleasure to be part of this wonderful ensemble around Zack Synder—a fascinating project. I am happy that it is now being developed on so many different levels."
The anime, meanwhile, is titled Army of the Dead: Lost Vegas, and will follow the origin story of Dave Bautista's character from Snyder's film. Interestingly, Snyder will direct two episodes of the series, while Jay Olivia of Batman: The Dark Night Returns fame will helm two episodes and act as showrunner.
No word on when either of the prequel projects will arrive, but Army of the Dead is expected to Netflix next year. The project will mark something of a return to his roots for the director, who got his start with 2004's Dawn of the Dead remake, written by James Gunn. Snyder's long-awaited director's cut of Justice League will also premiere next year via HBO Max.
