An audience success since its release in 2010, The Walking Dead has helped rekindle public interest in the zombie horror genre. Robert Kirkman’s comic book adaptation has also spawned numerous spin-offs, most recently the mini-series The Ones Who Live, which marks the big return of Rick Grimes and Michonne.
A taboo word you will never hear
This new spin-off continues the horror franchise’s tradition of never using the word “zombie.” To refer to the dead, The Walking Dead characters generally use the term “salute” (“walkers” original version). A choice that may be surprising, but justified by respecting the rules established by the master of the genre, George A. Romero.
Although he is not the inventor of the genre, Romero is still considered an essential figure in the zombie film. The saga of five films started by Night of the Living Dead in 1968 has made it possible to set the rules for any film that wants to fall into this very popular sub-category of the horror genre.
The first of these rules is to never say the word “zombie”. A very funny scene from the parody movie Shaun of the Dead, where the main character, played by Simon Pegg, loses his cool when his roommate, played by Nick Frost, repeatedly utters this taboo word.
Never say the “Z” word:
George Romero was not a fan of The Walking Dead
Other rules of the genre are as follows:
- The undead can only be killed by cutting off the head or destroying its brain.
- Contamination affects all deaths and is also transmitted by bite or blood.
- An undead cannot run or jump.
- The origin of the epidemic must never be revealed.
The Walking Dead franchise scrupulously respected its rules, which did not prevent George A. In Romero’s criticism. The director, who died in 2017, criticized the series, particularly for its shallow nature and lack of political context, like his more subversive films.
“Because of World War Z or The Walking Dead, I can no longer offer a low-budget zombie movie with a sociopolitical core. I can do it for them based on an action movie that hides a deeper message.”he was worried. “Now, as soon as the word zombie is mentioned, it has to tell me that Brad Pitt did it for $400 million.
The mini-series The Ones Who Live can be seen every Friday exclusively on Paramount+.
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Source: Allocine

Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.