Queens of the Dead – A Queer Zombie Comedy Review

Queens of the Dead: A Queer Zombie Comedy Directed by Tina Romero

Tina Romero, daughter of renowned filmmaker George A. Romero, makes her directorial debut with Queens of the Dead, a queer-centric zombie comedy premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 7. The film sets a zombie outbreak amidst a flamboyant Brooklyn drag rave, highlighting LGBTQ+ characters navigating chaos with humor and unity

Queens of the Dead is an upcoming queer zombie comedy directed by Tina Romero, daughter of the legendary filmmaker George A. Romero. Set to premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 7, 2025, the film offers a fresh and inclusive take on the zombie genre. 

Plot Overview:

The story unfolds during a vibrant drag show in Brooklyn, where a group of drag queens, club kids, and frenemies must put aside their personal dramas to combat a sudden zombie outbreak. Utilizing their unique skills and creativity, they navigate the chaos, turning the apocalypse into a fierce and fabulous fight for survival. Romero describes the film as a "glam gore zom-com," emphasizing its fun, dance-filled, and queer-centric approach to the zombie genre.  

Cast and Characters

The film boasts a diverse and talented ensemble cast, including: 

Katy O'Brian as Dre, a party promoter turned apocalypse survivor.

Jaquel Spivey (known for Mean Girls) as a key member of the group.

Margaret Cho (from Fire Island) bringing her comedic flair.

Cheyenne Jackson (featured in American Horror Story) adding depth to the ensemble.

Brigette Lundy-Paine (from I Saw the TV Glow) and Nina West (from RuPaul’s Drag Race) contributing to the vibrant cast.

Tomas Matos, Quincy Dunn-Baker, Becca Blackwell, Shaunette Renée Wilson, Dominique Jackson, Riki Lindhome, and Eve Lindley in supporting roles. 

 Production Insights

Co-written by Tina Romero and Erin Judge, Queens of the Dead is produced by Natalie Metzger and Matthew Lee Miller for Vanishing Angle, with additional production support from IFC Films, Shudder, and Flexibon Films. The film is set to have a runtime of 99 minutes and will be presented in English.  

Romero's direction pays homage to her father's legacy while infusing her unique voice and perspective into the narrative. She aims to continue the tradition of using zombie films as a medium for social commentary, reflecting contemporary issues through a queer lens.  

Release Date & Information

Queens of the Dead is scheduled to premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 7, 2025. Following its festival debut, the film is expected to be released in select theaters and on streaming platforms, offering audiences a chance to experience this innovative and inclusive take on the zombie genre. 

For those interested in a genre-blending film that combines horror, comedy, and LGBTQ+ representation, Queens of the Dead promises to be a must-watch.