2024 marked an incredible two decades since Edgar Wright’s Shaun of the Dead debuted.
Since then, the film has grossed over $35 million worldwide, and become a bonified cult classic. A loving tribute to the zombie sub-genre that dominated the 1970’s, Shaun of the Dead put Wright firmly on the map as a filmmaker.
Furthermore, the horror-comedy established actor Simon Pegg as a leading man. Since then, Pegg has re-teamed with Wright several times, and bagged substantial roles in the likes of Mission Impossible and The Boys.
However, it appears his breakout role in Shaun of the Dead is the one fans are eager for Pegg to reprise the most.
To that end, Simon Pegg has recently commented on the probability of him returning for a sequel to Shaun of the Dead.
Unfortunately, the answer wasn’t promising. Speaking during a Reddit AMA, Pegg answered a question on whether a sequel was in development, saying:
“I think it’s best left alone. I don’t think there’s any point in rebooting it. Some stories just have a beginning, middle and end. And the trouble with sequels sometimes, is that you have to undo the resolution of the original film in order to start another story.”
Pegg continued:
“With films like Mission: Impossible, or the kind of superhero genre, or Star Trek, it works because it’s a continuing adventure. But with Shaun of the Dead, Shaun has an arc that he starts somewhere and ends somewhere. And we’re happy with the way that ends. And I that think sometimes, when you sequelise a film like that, you can end up spoiling the original, because when you watch the original again, you’re thinking, ‘Well they’re gonna go through this other thing.’ The resolution stops having any meaning.”
The actor concludes:
“So, no, is the answer to that question!”
Pegg’s words echo recent comments from Edgar Wright, who expressed his displeasure with the idea of sequels, primarily as he didn’t want to “repeat” himself.
So, sad news for Shaun fans, as it looks like the classic will remain a stand-alone film.
