Horror Legend’s Zombie Legacy Lives On in Queens of the Dead

A new horror-comedy that blends undead mayhem with high-energy drag performance is headed to theaters this October. Queens of the Dead, directed by Tina Romero — daughter of horror auteur George A. Romero — marks her feature-length debut after a career of television and short-film work.

The story follows an eclectic group of drag queens, club kids, and partygoers who find themselves trapped in a sprawling warehouse when a zombie outbreak erupts during their massive celebration. With outside help impossible to count on, the survivors must bury old rivalries, forge alliances, and mount a defense against the ravenous undead — assuming they don’t tear each other apart first.

The trailer teases a lively ensemble including Katy O’Brian (Loves Lies Bleeding, Twisters), Jaquel Spivey (Mean Girls), Tomas Matos (Fire Island), Nina West (RuPaul’s Drag Race), Jack Haven (I Saw the TV Glow), Cheyenne Jackson (American Horror Story), Dominique Jackson (Pose), and Margaret Cho (It’s My Party). Between the cast’s comedic chops and the film’s gleeful gore, the trailer promises a mix of big laughs, shocky scares, and standout performances.

Queens of the Dead debuted at the Tribeca Film Festival earlier this year and walked away with the Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature — an encouraging sign for fans of queer, camp-infused horror. From the footage released so far, the film looks poised to deliver razor-sharp camp, plenty of bite, and a show-stopping late-night vibe.

Independent Film Company and Shudder will release Queens of the Dead in theaters on October 24, 2025.

Source: Polygon