14 DAY TRIAL // “Zombieland,” the horror comedy considered by many critics the biggest and most pleasant surprise the genre has offered in years, has so far proved a hit at the box-office, despite not even being released in all territories overseas. In fact, “Zombieland” has been so warmly received that Sony Pictures is already putting the finishing touches to a sequel that will come in 3D, Variety informs.
Movie studios have found a way to maximize box-office profits with 3D releases but, as the movie-oriented publication puts it, until now, this was only exclusive to big production. With a budget of $24 million, clearly “Zombieland” doesn’t fit in here, but making a sequel for it in 3D comes to prove that movie studios are slowly starting to see opportunities where they saw none before.
“Move over ‘Avatar.’ Hollywood is moving forward with a pair of unlikely 3D sequels. Sony is in the process of inking deals to bring back the ‘Zombieland’ team for a second installment, but this time the bloody comedy is poised to unspool in 3D. […] In recent years, studios have given dozens of animated pics as well as tentpoles and horror films the 3D treatment, from ‘Avatar’ to ‘My Bloody Valentine 3D’ to ‘Monsters vs. Aliens.’ But until now, low- and medium-budget comedies have been off limits.” Variety says.
Whereas, until now, studios invested only in big-budget productions in terms of giving them the 3D treatment, seeing so many other films do so remarkably well at the box-office after the release in 3D has prompted a shift in perspective. It might be a costly investment but it’s one guaranteed to turn a profit, so this is why Sony is moving ahead with plans for “Zombieland.” Work on the script for the sequel is already underway, the same e-zine also says, and negotiations are being held to get the two main stars, Woody Harrelson and Jesse Eisenberg, back on board.
“Everyone had fun watching [the first] ‘Zombieland’; making it a more visceral experience can only make it better. I don’t think you want to see ‘Ordinary People’ in 3-D. But ‘Zombieland’ is clearly one movie that will benefit from [the technique].” Gavin Polone, producer of “Zombieland,” tells Variety. Moreover, since the first 3D television sets are set for release in spring and keeping in mind that many people continue to enjoy films better at home, it’s clear that the future is in 3D, Polone further explains.