With it having stolen the hearts of millions, the beloved Disney Channel Zombies franchise is now bidding a heartfelt farewell with its original cast. Fans will, however, have some time to get some final glimpses of the familiar cast of Milo Manheim, Meg Donnelly, Chandler Kinney, and Kylee Russell, since the fourth film declared this act as the end of the original group.
So, what does this say for the Zombies world? And why is this film being touted as a farewell and a new beginning?
Milo Manheim and the Legacy of the Zombies
If there is one name synonymous with Zombies, it is that of Milo Manheim. From his debut in 2018, Milo has balanced comedy, charm, and emotion in his portrayal of the delightful Zombie, Zed. That relationship with Meg Donnelly (Addison) helped shoot the franchise into the stratosphere, trending it as one of Disney’s most familiarly recognized pairs.
Zombies 4 marks the emotional finale for the original cast. Discover how the franchise will continue with a new generation of stars carrying the legacy forward.
The cherished Disney Zombies franchise is completing full circle with “Zombies 4,” and officially marks the end of the original ensemble cast. But while fans prepare to say farewell to the familiar faces of Zed, Addison, and the gang, a brave new generation is ready to bring it into the future in new forms. Here is what we know about the last OG dance—and the new blood injecting new life into the monster musical universe.
The Zombies Phenomenon: A Quick Recap
When Zombies arrived for its first episode in 2018, few would have predicted the enrapturing cultural phenomenon it has been. Fusing supernatural creatures, musical numbers, and high school drama with themes of inclusion, acceptance, and identity has made the franchise a favorite.
This is What We Know So Far:
Zombies (2018) introduced the fictional town of Seabrook, where humans and zombies together arose (or ‘woke’) to the inequities endured by zombie residents, while also navigating beautiful romances across their dividends of their past realities. Zed, a zombie football player, and Addison, an upbeat cheerleader, broke from their respective pasts, expanding the limitations of previously unmovable objects.
Zombies 2 (2020) increased the accountability and ritual by adding werewolves that deepened the lore details and made stakes more emotional.
Zombies 3 (2022) took an outer-space turn by introducing aliens and closed out with Addison lithe about her alien identity—while hinting ideals in the future.
With every new addition to the Disney franchise, it was able to grow and stay true to the themes, while contributing to the mythology- and here we are with Zombies 4, ready to close the original chapter.
Zombies 4 – what we know so far:
Release Date: Anticipated late 2025 on Disney+.
Filming Status: The film has wrapped filming as of mid-2023 and is in post-production.
Plot teasers:
It appears that Zombies 4 is going to focus on Addison’s return from space and her return to Seabrook. The story is probably going to focus on, the four factions Humans, Zombies, Werewolves and Aliens are going to have conflict and push into war.
But it’s more than just conflict and some new faction coming into the mix. We are going to be introduced to a new race (likely vampires or shapeshifters) that are complicating the process.
The OG Cast Saying Goodbye
The announcement of Zombies 4 being the final film in the franchise with the original cast prompted an emotional response from fans. And the actors also appear to be emotional.
Both stars alluded to emotional scenes, callbacks to the first film and “full circle” moments that could leave long-time viewers on the verge of tears.
A Legacy that Lives on
The real magic of Zombies is not in its catchy songs or bright costumes, but in the heart of the series; the message.
From the outset, the franchise cleverly addressed serious issues with levity:
Discrimination and acceptance: The wolf-zombie divide in Seabrook was an allegory for the discrimination many experience in the real world.
Identity and belonging: Addison’s own journey to self-discovery elicited a real connection with those struggling to identify themselves.
Unity in diversity: On numerous occasions, the screenwriters emphasized that harmony as a community is achieved together—instead of being the same, we embrace the qualities that make us different.
Meet the New Generation: Who’s Taking Over?
As we say farewell to the OGs in Zombies, the franchise will move forward with Disney identifying the next wave of young stars to usher in its evolution.
Confirmed New Cast Members
Ava Raine (daughter of WWE superstar, The Rock) is reported to be playing Lyra, a mysterious shapeshifter with a secret.
Chance Hurstfield (Upload, Good Boys) has been cast as Finn, a human tech-genius intending to restore peace in Seabrook.
Talia Jackson (Family Reunion) will also star as Nova, a vampire rebel with a sad backstory and sharp sense of justice.
The new characters aren’t just filling the gaps—they’re part of an extension of the storyline that includes deep supernatural lore, new romances, and generational conflict.
Passing the Torch:
Sources have confirmed that Zed and Addison will appear throughout the film as mentors to the new protagonists, and help guide the next generation. Think of Harry Potter’s epilogue or High School Musical 3’s graduation moment—with a supernatural twist.
Why This is Important for Disney
Zombies 4 isn’t just another DCOM (Disney Channel Original Movie) but rather a representation of Disney’s larger strategy: to create legacy franchises that can expand and evolve with the audience.
Similar to:
High School Musical → HSMTMTS
Descendants → Descendants: Rise of Red
Camp Rock → Jonas Brothers’ solo careers and evolution of their fanbase
Disney understands that viewers get older—and are fully embracing it.
For fans, Zombies 4 offers closure, nostalgia, and the thrill of something new. It’s a wonderful combination of the past and the future.
Final Thoughts: Goodbye is Just the Beginning
“Zombies 4” is more than a movie; it is an event. As we loyally wave goodbye to the original cast that we have loved, we are simultaneously delivering the first wave of a new chapter filled with new promise, diversity, and of course, magical mayhem.
FAQs
Is Zombies 4 the last movie?
Yes! Zombies 4 is the last film that includes the original cast (Milo Manheim is Zed and Meg Donnelly is Addison) but we look forward to the franchise continuing without them!
When will Zombies 4 be released?
Disney has not actually confirmed a release date yet, but Zombies 4 has a projected premiere date of late 2025 on Disney+.
Are Zed and Addison in Zombies 4?
Yes, Zed and Addison will be in Zombies 4 and they will have significant roles and responsibilities guiding the next generation of characters.
Who are the new cast?
New characters in Zombies 4 include:
Ava Raine as (Lyra the shapeshifter), Chance Hurstfield as (Finn the human tech-genius), and Talia Jackson as (Nova the vampire rebel). They will be the first of a wave of supernatural students in Seabrook.