Key Takeaways:
* Simon Pegg vehemently opposes a potential reboot of ‘Shaun of the Dead’.
* He believes the film is too personal for a reboot not to be exploitative.
* Pegg also criticizes Zack Snyder’s ‘Dawn of the Dead’ remake.
* Although there’s no chance for a ‘Shaun of the Dead’ sequel, Pegg and director Edgar Wright may collaborate on projects in the future.
The love and demand for a sequel to the hit 2004 movie ‘Shaun of the Dead’ continue to grow among ardent fans. Still, according to Simon Pegg, the film’s co-writer and star, that wish will always remain unfulfilled.
Why No Sequel?
For Pegg, ‘Shaun of the Dead’ is not just a film; it’s an amalgamation of personal experiences and emotions. During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he made it clear that revisiting the character ‘Shaun’ was out of the question. He argued that some stories have a natural beginning, middle, and end. To continue Shaun’s journey, everything they created in ‘Shaun of the Dead’ would need to be undone, something he is not willing to do.
Moreover, Pegg strongly believes that cinema’s power lies in its ability to challenge people, to help them see things they haven’t seen before. Repeating narratives or recreating characters doesn’t really fall into that agenda. Therefore, the chances of seeing a ‘Shaun of the Dead’ sequel are next to nothing.
The Fear of a Reboot
While Universal Pictures owns the rights to the movie, Pegg expressed his concern over the possibility of a reboot. He noted that this would be a cynical and exploitative exercise. The film carries a massive emotional value for him, being inspired by real-life events and relationships involving him, co-star Nick Frost, and director Edgar Wright. Therefore, any attempt to recreate or retell this story would inevitably dishonor its original essence.
Criticizing ‘Dawn of the Dead’ Remake
Pegg also expressed his disdain for Zack Snyder’s ‘Dawn of the Dead’ remake during the interview. Despite acknowledging it as an entertaining movie, he showed frustration that it borrowed the title from George A. Romero’s original film. In his view, picking up a well-known title for audience recognition is disrespectful towards the original work.
Future Projects for Pegg and Wright
Despite the lack of interest in a ‘Shaun of the Dead’ sequel, fans can look forward to future collaborations between Pegg and Wright. The duo has a rich history of working together and plans on keeping up this partnership. They continually discuss film ideas and potential projects, the only challenge being finding the time to put those plans into action.
In conclusion, while it will be a disappointment for fans, there’s not going to be a sequel to ‘Shaun of the Dead’. Pegg’s opposition to a potential reboot only adds to this narrative. Despite this, the partnership between Pegg and Wright remains strong, suggesting the possibility of more exciting output from the duo in the future.