The eagerly anticipated ‘Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires’ has finally arrived, bringing with it a fresh new twist to the beloved Disney Channel franchise. The movie, which debuted on July 10, sees the return of familiar faces and the introduction of some intriguing new characters into the mix. As Seabrook becomes home to a clash between rival vampire factions, Zed (Milo Manheim), Addison (Meg Donnelly) and their friends find themselves embroiled in a conflict that challenges them to unite against a common enemy threatening their town’s peace.
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In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Milo Manheim, who plays Zed, expressed his excitement about passing on the torch to the new generation of stars joining the franchise. The passing of the torch symbolizes a shift towards a new era for the film series. Manheim shared, “Casting these kids, knowing that we were passing this torch on, every moment that we spent with them, it just became clearer and clearer that they are the right ones to carry on the legacy of this franchise.”
One of the fresh faces making their mark in ‘Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires’ is Freya Skye, playing Nova, a daywalker with unique abilities. Skye’s on-screen debut in the movie marks a momentous occasion for the young English actress and singer-songwriter. Expressing her gratitude, Skye shared, “It’s big shoes to step into, but I feel super grateful that we’re the ones who get to tell the story.”
Furthermore, Malachi Barton joins the ensemble cast as Victor, a vampire with the power to control the wind. With his previous experience in various Disney Channel productions, including ‘Henry Danger’ and ‘Stuck in the Middle’, Barton brings his talent to ‘Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires’. Notably, Barton found inspiration and guidance from his experienced co-stars, Milo Manheim and Meg Donnelly, who served as mentors on set.
Chandler Kinney reprises her role as Willa, the fierce leader of a werewolf pack. Staying true to her character’s strong and self-assured persona, Kinney shared how embodying Willa demanded a deeper exploration of her own confidence and self-advocacy. Kinney’s commitment to her role highlights the growth and development of her character throughout the franchise.
Another familiar face in the cast is Kylee Russell, who portrays Eliza, Zed’s tech-savvy best friend. With a decade of acting experience under her belt, Russell brings depth and authenticity to her character. As she prepares to welcome her second child, Russell reflects on the importance of promoting inclusion and acceptance through her work and hopes to impart these values to her children through projects like ‘Zombies’.
Meg Donnelly, reprising her role as Addison, continues to captivate audiences with her portrayal of the Seabrook cheerleader caught in a whirlwind romance with Zed. Donnelly’s journey alongside Milo Manheim has fostered a deep bond between the two actors. Moreover, Donnelly’s foray into producing with ‘Dawn of the Vampires’ marks a new chapter in her career and allows her to contribute creatively to a franchise close to her heart.
As the ‘Zombies’ franchise evolves with ‘Dawn of the Vampires’, the introduction of fresh talent and new storylines promises an exciting and captivating journey for fans. With the seasoned stars passing on the mantle to a new generation, the film sets the stage for future adventures and challenges in the supernatural world of Seabrook. Stay tuned for more updates and behind-the-scenes insights as the saga of ‘Zombies’ continues to enchant audiences worldwide.