Milo Manheim and Meg Donnelly, the stars of ‘Zombies 4’, recently sat down for an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, reflecting on their 9-year-long friendship. The duo, both aged 24, shared insights into how their bond has evolved since they first met almost a decade ago. The pair currently headline Disney Channel’s latest offering, ‘Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires’, and also discussed their foray into the role of executive producers for the new movie.
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Manheim and Donnelly expressed how they have witnessed significant personal growth in each other over the years. Manheim highlighted Donnelly’s growth in confidence, to which Donnelly reciprocated by acknowledging Manheim’s changes. The actors emphasised their transition from trying to fit in during the first movie to now setting a positive atmosphere on set as they assume more responsibility in shaping the production.
The journey of their friendship encapsulates pivotal milestones in their lives, having initially crossed paths at the age of 16. Donnelly reflected on the whirlwind of experiences they have shared, aligning with the natural progression of young adulthood. In addition to their on-screen collaboration, the pair took on the new role of executive producers for the recent ‘Zombies’ instalment, providing them with broader involvement in the movie-making process.
Manheim discussed the increased creative input they had in steering the production, mentioning the seamless collaboration with the existing production team. He highlighted their role as a bridge between the creative vision and the practical execution, ensuring that the essence of the franchise resonated with the audience. Donnelly shared her experience of advocating for younger actors on set and navigating the challenges of casting decisions, ultimately aiming for the best fit within the ensemble.
The actors candidly spoke about the rewarding aspects and complexities they encountered as first-time executive producers. Donnelly acknowledged the gratification of being involved in key aspects like costume design and script development. She emphasised the insight gained from casting decisions, acknowledging the talent and merit of all auditioning actors while shaping the characters effectively for the movie.
‘Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires’ is currently available for streaming on Disney+, marking another successful collaboration for Manheim and Donnelly. As they bid farewell to their OG characters in the franchise’s final instalment, the duo’s enduring friendship and professional synergy serve as a testament to their growth and cohesion over the years. Their journey from co-stars to friends to collaborative producers underscores a fruitful partnership that has endured the test of time.