Bill Murray’s Controversial Zombie Film Competes with His 15-Year-Old Horror Franchise Sequel and Is Trending on Netflix

Bill Murray’s 2019 zombie film, The Dead Don’t Die, has recently surged in popularity on Netflix. This unique movie revolves around a quaint town grappling with bizarre fatalities before unveiling that an invasion of zombies has occurred, culminating in a thrilling struggle for survival and an unexpected conclusion.

Directed by the talented Jim Jarmusch, The Dead Don’t Die is renowned for its clever use of dry wit, complemented by the stellar performances from its cast. Bill Murray shines as expected, delivering perfectly timed deadpan reactions that enhance the film’s surreal circumstances. Interestingly, 2019 was a notable year for Murray, as he also made a cameo in another zombie comedy, Zombieland: Double Tap.

Bill Murray’s Dual Zombie Roles in 2019

Murray’s Comeback as Himself in Zombieland: Double Tap

The Dead Don't Die featuring Adam Driver

Murray’s role in Zombieland: Double Tap was more of a fun cameo. His character, having met his demise in the original Zombieland (2009), makes a return during end credits scenes that humorously recount events from the zombie outbreak’s inception. In this sequel, Murray portrays himself, contributing to the comedic charm of the film. The coincidence of appearing in two comedic zombie films within the same year is an amusing highlight of Murray’s filmography.

His simultaneous appearances in both films underscore a playful aspect of his career since, despite prominent roles in classics like Ghostbusters, he hasn’t frequently ventured into horror comedies. The thematic parallels between the two movies enhance their viewing experience, particularly as The Dead Don’t Die features a clever nod to Murray’s character from Zombieland, adding an extra layer of humor for astute viewers.

Contrasting Zombie Rules: The Dead Don’t Die vs. Zombieland

Explicit Zombie Survival Guidelines

Chloe Sevigny and Adam Driver in The Dead Don't Die

Both The Dead Don’t Die and the Zombieland series humorously clarify their respective rules for engaging with zombies and enduring in a post-apocalyptic world. Each film employs clever, self-aware techniques to delineate this zombie mythology. Intriguingly, certain characters in The Dead Don’t Die possess knowledge on how to deal with zombies even before their first encounter with them. They emphasize a straightforward rule: always “kill the head”to prevent the undead from returning.

In contrast, while Zombieland provides an extensive list of survival strategies, not every rule is overtly stated. Columbus (played by Jesse Eisenberg) reveals an updated compilation of 73 rules in Zombieland: Double Tap, enriching the comedic content with tips ranging from practical advice, like wearing seatbelts, to more whimsical guidelines.

The survival tactics in Zombieland are clearly defined and presented as concrete rules by Eisenberg’s Columbus character. Among these, the crucial “double tap”rule, hinting at the film’s title, emphasizes the necessity of ensuring a zombie is truly incapacitated. Both films highlight the importance of following these comedic yet essential principles for survival in their respective narratives.

A Comparative Analysis of Reviews and Box Office Performance

Box Office Success: Zombieland: Double Tap vs. The Dead Don’t Die

Bill Murray and Adam Driver in The Dead Don't Die

While The Dead Don’t Die is a humorous film boasting an impressive ensemble, it struggled to compete with Zombieland: Double Tap in both critical reception and box office success. The former garnered mixed reviews and grossed approximately $15.3 million (source: Box Office Mojo), facing limitations due to its indie stature and fewer theater screenings. Critics expressed that the film’s deadpan humor didn’t consistently resonate, though its availability on Netflix might attract a new fanbase.

Conversely, Zombieland: Double Tap benefitted from the anticipation that followed the 2009 hit, Zombieland. The sequel raked in $125.2 million against a budget of around $45 million (source: The Numbers). It received favorable reviews praising its humor and performances, positioning it as a clear winner among Bill Murray’s 2019 zombie films, much to the delight of audiences.

Sources: Box Office Mojo & The Numbers

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