Hollywood Reacts to George Romero's Death
George A. Romero has died at the age of 77, and the film and TV communities are in shock.The [...]
Reactions, continued
Romero's influence transcended the horror genre. Filmmakers from all backgrounds reached out with condolences and on the late director.
Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn wrote, "RIP #GeorgeRomero. You made me want to make movies, and helped me to find meaning in monsters. Thank you. I love you."
Chronicle screenwriter Max Landis wrote, "George Romero was an icon who created a cinematic universe of loosely affiliated sequels forty years before that was a thing. RIP to a genius."
"RIP George Romero. You were a genius, and I look forward to your inevitable return," wrote Brian Lynch, the writer of Minions and Secret Life of Pets.
RIP #GeorgeRomero. You made me want to make movies, and helped me to find meaning in monsters. Thank you. I love you.
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) July 16, 2017
George Romero was an icon who created a cinematic universe of loosely affiliated sequels forty years before that was a thing
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) July 16, 2017
RIP to a genius
RIP George Romero. You were a genius, and I look forward to your inevitable return. https://t.co/8GTVebIMBc
— Brian Lynch (@BrianLynch) July 16, 2017
Actors were touched by Romero's films, as well. Some shared admiration, and other even recalled personal experiences with the legend.
"R.I.P. George Romero. A true legend," wrote Kumail Nanjiani. "Started a new genre on his own. Who else can claim that?"
"A fond farewell to charming, legendary zombie king George Romero," wrote Mark Gatiss. "Martin is one of my favourite horrors. An honour to have met him. RIP"
R.I.P. George Romero. A true legend. Started a new genre on his own. Who else can claim that?
— Kumail Nanjiani (@kumailn) July 16, 2017
prevnextA fond farewell to charming, legendary zombie king George Romero. 'Martin' is one of my favourite horrors. An honour to have met him. RIP pic.twitter.com/8ZIwjxFrmx
— Mark Gatiss (@Markgatiss) July 16, 2017
Death Details
Earlier today, Romero's longtime producing partner Peter confirmed the filmmaker passed in his sleep. Romero died following "a brief but aggressive battle with lung cancer" according to Peter Gunwald. The visionary passed away while listening to a score from one of his favorite film's while his wife Suzanne and daughter Tina were at his side. According to The Times, Romero was listening to the score from The Quiet Man a la 1952.
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If you are not familiar with Romero's name, then you will have surely heard of his work. The director is credited with jump-starting the zombie genre as he developed the 1968 classic Night of the Living Dead with co-writer John A. Russo. The film went on to inspire scores of directors such as John Carpenter and Tobe Hooper thanks to its impactful low-budget horror. Other entertainment powerhouses like Seth Grahame-Green, Robert Kirkman, and Edgar Wright have also credited Romero has a source of inspiration for their own works.
Night of the Living Dead continues to live on his pop culture fame as knock-offs continue to be spun from it. Romero also put in work on sequels like Dawn of the Dead, Day of the Dead, Land of the Dead, Diary of the Dead, and George A. Romero's Survival of the Dead.
Outside of the Living Dead franchise, Romero worked on other projects which his fans have rallied around. Romero wrote or directed for The Crazies, Knightriders, and episodes of the TV documentary The Winners. The icon's final credit as a writer was for Day of the Dead in 2017.
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prevnextRomero's Upcoming Projects
Despite Romero's sudden passing, fans of the legend could see more of his work come to TV in coming years.
According to zombie artist Arthur Suydam, Empire of the Dead could be coming to AMC if all things work out. The horror comic, which is set in New York, is a fan-favorite and would fit in well with the network's current focus on all things undead.
Suydam told crowds at Wizard World Louisville that AMC had just signed off on the series and that "it's going to be the next, big zombie series on AMC."
Right now, there is no word on when the series may be brought to the small screen, but horror enthusiasts will look forward to seeing Romero's work honored posthumously by AMC as the show gets underway.
Photo Credit: Getty / Stefania D'Alessandro
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