Nearly seven years after the original "Zombies" film debuted, Disney Channel's latest installment, "Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires," arrives on July 10, 2025, promising a fresh twist on the franchise while adhering closely to the familiar Disney musical formula. Meg Donnelly and Milo Manheim, who first captured audiences as Addison and Zed in 2018, return not only as lead actors but now also as executive producers, signaling their deeper creative involvement in the series.
The film kicks off with a seemingly straightforward summer road trip that takes an unexpected turn, landing the characters at a summer camp unlike any they've encountered before. This camp serves as a training ground for vampires and daywalkers, two supernatural groups locked in a centuries-old rivalry over a mystical fruit known as bloodfruit. The narrative introduces new characters Nova, portrayed by Freya Skye, the ambitious leader of the daywalkers, and Victor, played by Malachi Barton, a vampire leader styled in striking black attire reminiscent of classic rebel archetypes. Their budding romance mirrors the star-crossed love theme that fans have come to expect from the franchise, echoing the dynamic between Zed and Addison in earlier films.
Filming took place over a year ago in New Zealand, a location choice that allowed the production to minimize green screen effects in favor of authentic, immersive settings. This commitment to location-based shooting is evident in the film's production design, which, while less vibrant than previous entries, still offers eye-catching elements such as the whimsical treehouse bunks at the camp—a nod to the playful visual style reminiscent of films like "Hook" or "George of the Jungle." The musical score leans heavily into a pop rock vibe, channeling the nostalgic energy of early Disney Channel hits like "Camp Rock," which aligns with the franchise's tradition of integrating catchy, upbeat songs into its storytelling.
Despite these strengths, critics have noted that "Zombies 4" struggles under the weight of an overcrowded cast and a convoluted plot. The original protagonist, Zed, finds himself sidelined amid a sprawling ensemble that includes vampires, daywalkers, werewolves, and even aliens introduced in earlier sequels. This expansion of supernatural species has diluted the narrative focus, leaving the story feeling cluttered and unfocused.
Reviewers have pointed out that the film's storyline—centered on the characters' unexpected detour to a supernatural summer camp—lacks clarity and cohesion. The script, penned by Josh A. Cagan and Joseph Raso and directed by Paul Hoen, adheres closely to the well-worn Disney Channel formula established by Kenny Ortega's 2006 "High School Musical." This formula involves sanitized rom-com tropes tailored for young audiences: boy meets girl, societal pressures keep them apart, misunderstandings create conflict, and ultimately, love prevails. Pushy parents and mild bullies provide predictable obstacles, while goofy teachers offer comic relief. However, the predictability and cheesiness of the dialogue and plot points have drawn criticism for failing to evolve beyond this template.
Musical numbers, a hallmark of the franchise, are present as expected but have been described as generic and repetitive, lacking memorable hooks that resonate beyond the screen. The film often pauses its narrative to showcase five-minute-long song-and-dance sequences, which some argue disrupt the storytelling flow rather than enhance it. This approach contrasts with musicals like "Evita," where songs are integral to advancing the plot and deepening character development.
The performances of the young cast receive praise for their dedication and talent. Actors like Freya Skye and Malachi Barton bring energy to their roles, and veteran series stars Donnelly and Manheim demonstrate growth both in front of and behind the camera. However, certain character quirks, such as Willa's frequent growling and tooth-baring as a form of intimidation, have been labeled as cringe-worthy and implausible even within the film's fantastical context.
From a thematic perspective, the original "Zombies" movie was lauded for its creative approach to addressing issues such as segregation and racial inequality through the lens of supernatural allegory. Unfortunately, successive sequels, including "Zombies 4," have diluted these messages by introducing an ever-expanding roster of supernatural creatures and focusing more on spectacle than substance.
Behind the scenes, the involvement of Donnelly and Manheim as executive producers suggests a desire to steer the franchise with fresh ideas and perspectives. Manheim reflected on their collaborative journey, saying, "Me and Meg, really together, learned on the job, encouraged each other to speak up about things, often had great ideas and realized, oh, we're totally down for this and ready for this." Donnelly added, "Being able to pass the torch to completely new people is just like really so fulfilling. And it's really cool." Their enthusiasm is palpable and underscores the franchise's enduring appeal to its young audience.
Ultimately, "Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires" embodies the dual nature of long-running Disney Channel franchises: it offers the familiar, comforting formula that has proven successful for nearly two decades while struggling to innovate and deepen its narrative impact. The film's release on Disney Channel and Disney+ in July 2025 marks another chapter in a series that continues to captivate its core demographic, even as it faces the challenges of expanding its universe without losing sight of what made it resonate initially.
While adult viewers may find the film's artificiality and predictability off-putting, it's important to recognize that these productions aim to provide safe, accessible entertainment for younger audiences. As one critic noted, "These movies are safe, easy, and inoffensive musical theater fluff for young viewers to enjoy, and that's fine. They're really not meant to be taken seriously." Yet, this raises the question of whether future installments could benefit from embracing more nuanced storytelling that respects the intelligence of its audience without sacrificing the joy and energy that define the franchise.
