Don't Expect a 'Shaun of the Dead' Sequel, Says Edgar Wright
Zombies often return from the dead, but this isn't true for Shaun of the Dead. Last year marked the 20th anniversary of Edgar Wright’s film, and despite fans hoping for a sequel, Wright has made it clear that there won't be one.
Edgar Wright’s Thoughts on a Sequel
During promotion for his new film The Running Man, Polygon asked Wright if he had ever considered a follow-up to Shaun of the Dead. He declined, stating that he and longtime collaborator Simon Pegg feel there’s no more story to tell.
“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 also pointed out that many sequels don’t feel necessary because the original film already covers the full story.
Wright’s Approach to Sequels and the Zombie Genre
Wright is generally not focused on sequels—his closest works are loosely connected, like the Cornetto trilogy or Scott Pilgrim Takes Off. Meanwhile, the zombie genre itself often embraces continuations.
- The Walking Dead has produced multiple spinoffs and sequels.
- Zombieland grew into a mini-franchise with a TV show and a 2019 sequel.
Decades-late sequels are common today, with studios like Disney frequently reviving old franchises.
Author’s Summary
Edgar Wright confirms there won’t be a sequel to Shaun of the Dead, believing the story was fully told in the original film without room for continuation.