Dead Zombies Make ‘Warm Bodies’
by Dustin Hall
Summit Entertainment has just acquired the rights to Warm Bodies, a book by Isaac Marion, and plans on turning it into the next big zombie movie. Expect to see many more of these ‘alternative’ zombie stories popping up, following the success of Shaun of the Dead and the recent Zombieland.
Warm Bodies is the story of a zombie who, much like the titular character from Brit Zombie flick, Colin, retains his consciousness and humanity, along with his desire to eat warm flesh. This zombie ‘lives’ with a pack of zombies in the rotting remains of a city, and laments his daily hunts for screaming humans. The story takes a turn when he meets a young, vibrant girl alone in the city, whose charm and personality make it impossible to eat her. Yes, this zombie falls in love. Finding that it is possible for emotion to take hold and overcome the need to devour living tissue, the zombie seeks to both get the girl, and see if he can convert his fellow undead.
It is currently unknown when the book will be available for release. It was previously distributed privately by author Marion through his website, but after the rights were acquired by Atria Publishing and Summit showed an interest, the home prints ceased and subsequently sold out. The new prints will be available this Summer, though an official date is unconfirmed. In the meantime, you can watch the book’s trailer, created by Marion below
Set to write and direct the book adaptation is Jonathan Levine, whose major theatrical releases include The Wackness and the Horror film, All the Boys Love Mandy Lane, and was no doubt chosen for his dual background in Horror and Drama films. Producing the film is Bruna Papandrea, whose largest film to date was Milk with Sean Penn. Together these two bring an eclectic list of film credits that could turn into something very interesting.
It was thought we’d beaten the undead to death, but with Zombieland, Colin, Dead Girl, Fido, and now Warm Bodies, it seems there’s still plenty of life left in the concept of Zombies.
via: Variety
