If you’ve just finished watching Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires, you’re probably asking the same question we all are: what’s next for the Zombies franchise? After all, the fourth film wasn’t just an ending — it was a new beginning.
A New Era Begins: Victor and Nova Take the Spotlight
Zombies 4 picked up with Zed and Addison heading out on a summer trip with Eliza and Willa, but things quickly escalated when they stumbled into the rival towns of Sunnyside and Shadyside. There, we met two new supernatural groups: the Daywalkers, who harness the power of the sun, and the Vampires, who control the power of the wind. Raised to despise each other, their worlds collided in a feud over a rare resource — blood fruit, a life-sustaining fruit locked behind a gate that could only be opened if both sides agreed to unite.
Amidst this backdrop, two new central characters emerged — Victor, a curious and energetic vampire heir, and Nova, a responsible and burdened Daywalker heir. When these two crossed paths, there was an undeniable connection between them. Their bond wasn’t just a romantic subplot — it was a deliberate echo of Zed and Addison’s journey from the first Zombies film.
Even Meg Donnelly acknowledged that the parallels between Victor and Nova and the original couple were intentional, designed to give fans that familiar spark of nostalgia. And while Zed and Addison were still present, this movie made it clear — the next chapter belongs to Victor and Nova.
Zombies 4 Ending Explained: What Was That Water Vortex?
Just when we thought the story was neatly wrapped up, Zombies 4 delivered a final twist — a massive water vortex erupted from the ocean, leaving fans with more questions than answers. This wasn’t just a random effect; it strongly hinted at the arrival of new supernatural beings.
This scene directly connects to the Zombies 3 animated post-credits, which teased both vampires and mermaids. Now that vampires have had their moment, it seems inevitable that mermaids will take center stage next.
Zombies 5 Plot Theories: Mermaids, Sirens, and Sea Monsters
The most popular theory for Zombies 5 is an epic underwater storyline featuring mermaids vs. sirens. Peaceful mermaids and chaotic sirens could mirror the dynamic we saw between Daywalkers and Vampires, but in a whole new setting — beneath the ocean.
Beyond that, fans are speculating about sea monsters, krakens, and even the lost city of Atlantis. With each movie introducing new creatures — zombies, werewolves, aliens, vampires, and daywalkers — it only makes sense that the next chapter takes us to the depths of the sea.
Even cast members like Freya Sky (Nova) and Malachi Barton (Victor) have fueled fan theories, teasing that “loads of things live in the ocean.” Clearly, the possibilities for Zombies 5 are endless.
Will There Be a Zombies and Descendants Crossover?
Another exciting fan theory is a Zombies and Descendants crossover. The Worlds Collide Tour connecting both franchises has sparked speculation that the oceanic twist could tie into the Descendants universe.
Imagine characters like Uma from Descendants entering the Zombies world — it sounds wild, but even the cast is intrigued by the idea. Malachi Barton even called it “genius” when asked about a crossover possibility.
While Disney hasn’t confirmed anything yet, a merger of these two fan-favorite worlds could be a game-changer for both franchises.
What’s Next for Zed and Addison? Their Role Going Forward
As much as fans love Zed and Addison, both Milo Manheim and Meg Donnelly have hinted that they’re ready to step back. Instead of leading the story, they might return as mentors or executive producers, guiding the new generation of characters like Victor and Nova.
Meg even expressed that this is the perfect time to let the new characters shine, saying that Nova and Victor “deserve their own movie.” While it might feel strange to have a Zombies movie without Zed and Addison front and center, their legacy will definitely remain a part of the story.
Zombies 5 Release Date: When Can We Expect the Next Chapter?
Based on the franchise’s past release schedule — 2018, 2020, 2022, and then 2025 — it seems likely that Zombies 5 could arrive around 2027 or 2028. However, if the movie gets greenlit soon, production could start by 2026, aiming for a summer 2027 release.
There’s also speculation about whether the next installment will still be called “Zombies” or if Disney will give it a new title, especially if it focuses on mermaids or other creatures.
Regardless of the name, the franchise’s core message of unity, acceptance, and evolution will remain. As Meg Donnelly said, “It’s like we’re passing the torch,” and Victor and Nova are ready to carry it into the next phase.
Final Thoughts:
Whether we explore an underwater kingdom, meet new mythical creatures, or even witness a Zombies-Descendants crossover, one thing is clear — Zombies 5 isn’t just a sequel; it could be the beginning of an entirely new era for the franchise.