Dave Bautista has closed a deal to star in Zack Snyder‘s zombie heist movie, Army Of The Dead. The duo had recently hinted they would soon work together, and it is now confirmed.
The project is set up Netflix. Snyder came up with the story and co-wrote the script with Joby Harold and Shay Hatten. Set in the middle of a zombie outbreak in Las Vegas, the film follows a group of mercenaries who venture into the quarantined zone to pull off an audacious heist.
This continues Bautista’s impressive rise in Hollywood. Having broken out as Drax in Guardians Of The Galaxy, the former wrestler has gone onto play roles in major films such as Spectre and Blade Runner 2049. He’s also set for roles in Denis Villeneuve‘s Dune, Avengers: Endgame, Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3, and alongside Kumail Nanjiani in the comedy Stuber.
Production on Army Of The Dead is slated to begin this summer. The budget is expected to be around $70 million, so this is another big investment for Netflix. That reported number is more than double what Snyder’s 2004 zombie remake Dawn Of The Dead cost. $70 million is still a lot less than some other massive projects Snyder has helmed, such as Watchmen and Batman v Superman.
What can Snyder do with a smaller budget? After taking a few critical licks recently, he’ll be looking to bounce back. And Bautista’s development into potential major movie star is a welcome surprise.
#Peace.Love.ArmyOfTheDead
