Fans eager for a new Zombieland chapter may have to wait longer, as Jesse Eisenberg recently shared an update on the franchise’s future. Known for playing Columbus, the lead in the first two films, Eisenberg indicated that while a third movie is possible, it is unlikely to happen in the near term due to other commitments and priorities.
Jesse Eisenberg Discusses the Chances of Zombieland 3
The Zombieland franchise has captivated audiences since its original release in 2009, with its sequel, Zombieland: Double Tap, launching in 2019 to both commercial success and generally positive critical reception. The sequel grossed over $125 million worldwide and earned a 68% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, signaling strong interest in the series. Despite this, the series has remained dormant in recent years without official announcements for a follow-up. During an interview with ComicBook.com, Eisenberg addressed the possibility of Zombieland 3, but delivered cautious news.
He conveyed that his desire to return to the role remains, but he considers other projects a higher priority at the moment. Eisenberg’s focus has shifted to the Now You See Me franchise, with the upcoming Now You See Me: Now You Don’t opening this month and a fourth film already underway. He commented on this situation, saying,
“I would like to [make Zombieland 3]. Zombieland was, I think a 10-year break in between. This movie, we did one, and then like three years later, and then 10 years later. So, Now You See Me is probably more likely to have more movies than Zombieland.”
— Jesse Eisenberg, Actor
Could a New Zombieland Film Emerge a Decade After the Last?
Eisenberg’s remarks reflected uncertainty but did not close the door on a further Zombieland installment. Notably, there was a ten-year interval between the first film and its sequel, hinting that 2029 could be a potential year for another story in this zombie-infested universe. Ruben Fleischer, who directed both Zombieland films and has also collaborated with Eisenberg and Woody Harrelson on the Now You See Me series, shared his perspective on a long-term franchise strategy.
Fleischer revealed a joking plan among the team to return to the Zombieland world every ten years. He explained,
“We joked that it should be every 10 years because the second movie was 10 years, almost to the day, from the first. I like the notion that maybe in 2029, we’ll get to go back to that world with those people who would certainly be fun to see. You know, what are they up to with that much time passed? Emma [Stone] was the one who actually suggested doing one of these every 10 years. She made the joke that we can literally do it forever because Woody [Harrelson] is gonna outlive us all. Because he’s vegan, he’ll be around longer than any of us (laughs). So as long as there’s a desire for it and the cast is up for it, I mean, it’s the greatest experience of my career. I’d be thrilled to reunite with those guys.”
— Ruben Fleischer, Director
Challenges Facing a Zombieland Sequel
Despite this hopeful outlook, several factors complicate the prospect of Zombieland 3. The sequel closely followed the tone and structure of the original, but the critical response was more mixed, dropping from an 89% score for the first film to 68% for the follow-up. This decline might suggest that audiences are beginning to feel fatigued by the franchise’s formula after two installments. While Fleischer has ideas on how to refresh the series, the studio Sony has yet to approve a third movie.
Compounding this uncertainty are the varied commitments of the main cast. Eisenberg is currently promoting Now You See Me: Now You Don’t and preparing for its fourth installment. Woody Harrelson, another principal star, is similarly engaged with multiple projects at different production stages. Emma Stone is busy with Bugonia, a new sci-fi comedy collaboration with director Yorgos Lanthimos, while Abigail Breslin has several films, including Saturday at the Starlight, Don’t Fall Asleep, and A Good Fight, all in post-production.
The busy schedules of the core four cast members could make coordinating another Zombieland film difficult, particularly if Fleischer prioritizes continuing the Now You See Me series. However, the possibility of their reunion remains open, as the franchise’s appeal persists with both cast and fans.
Remembering Zombieland: Double Tap and Its Notable Cast
Zombieland: Double Tap brought back much of the original ensemble, blending horror, comedy, and action in a post-apocalyptic setting. Along with Jesse Eisenberg as Columbus and Woody Harrelson, the cast featured Emma Stone, Rosario Dawson, Thomas Middleditch, and Abigail Breslin, who each contributed to the film’s dynamic mix of characters.
As anticipation continues about a possible third film, fans remain hopeful that this talented group will reunite to revive the story, whether in 2029 as suggested or at some other point in the future.
