In a conversation with George Anderson about the possible continuation of his zombie series, Romero expressed an interesting angle for the undead: “The zombies are a little more sympathetic. We see them organizing slightly now and if there’s ever a third film that’s what it will be about.”
A twist to the tale came when he mentioned a suggestion from acclaimed horror director Dario Argento:
“Dario Argento, who we’re co-producing this film with, an Italian director, said that the third one has to be ‘Zombies in the White House’. And maybe that’s what it will be, I don’t know.”
Despite these early ideas, fans of “Day of the Dead” know that the follow-up took a different direction — primarily unfolding within an underground facility. Nevertheless, imagining a scenario where Romero directs a politically charged narrative amidst a zombie-infested White House has its appeal. Merely a year subsequent to his interview with Anderson, Romero speculated about a third film once more (per Lee Karr’s “The Making of George A. Romero’s Day of the Dead”). “Everyone wants to do the third part of the Living Dead Trilogy, but I don’t want to do that right now,” he stated. “All I have is a sketch for it. I’m threatening to do a ‘Zombies at Home’, a kind of ‘My Three Sons’, non-violent and totally boring.”
Those plans, as history tells us, never materialized.
FAQ Section
- Did George A. Romero ever make a ‘Zombies in the White House’ film?
No, although it was an idea mentioned, it was ultimately not the direction taken for the sequel to “Day of the Dead.” - What was the setting for Romero’s “Day of the Dead” sequel?
The sequel, rather than taking place in the White House, was set mainly in an underground bunker. - Who is Dario Argento?
Dario Argento is an Italian film director known for his work in the horror genre, specifically in films like “Suspiria.” - Did Romero express interest in doing a third film?
Yes, Romero mentioned having a sketch for a third film but ultimately expressed reluctance to develop it at that time. - What would have been the focal point of the third film according to Romero’s early thoughts?
Based on Romero’s comments, the third film’s focus would have been on the zombies, showing them as more organized and possibly even sympathetic.
Conclusion
The idea of a “Day of the Dead” sequel set in the White House, as proposed by Dario Argento and entertained by George A. Romero, certainly tantalizes the imagination with possibilities of suspense, horror, and social commentary. However, the final direction chosen for the sequel diverged from this concept, staying true to the mood and themes familiar in Romero’s established universe, but away from the halls of American political power. The legacy of Romero’s work continues to inspire, even as these intriguing ‘what if’ scenarios remind us of the ever-creative mind behind the lens of one of the horror genre’s most enduring franchises.