Shaun of the Dead zombie comedy celebrates 20 years with immersive pop up at SDCC

This year, the self-dubbed rom-zom-com Shaun of the Dead celebrates its 20th anniversary. Released in 2004, the film has become a cult classic and is part of theThree Flavours Cornetto trilogy, a series of British comedy films by director Edgar Wright that he co-wrote with Simon Pegg, who stars in all three movies.

Shaun of the Dead begins at the onset of a zombie outbreak and is a comedic tale of what happens when the undead take over the Crouch End area of London. The movie stars Pegg, Nick Frost, Kate Ashfield, Lucy Davis, Dylan Moran, Bill Nighy, Penelope Wilton, Martin Freeman, Matt Lucas, and Rafe Spall.

Focus Features will celebrate Shaun of the Dead in an immersive pop-up experience during the 2024 San Diego Comic-Con event. The pop-up promises "to transport visitors directly into the hilariously twisted universe of the film." Focus Insiders will gain first access to reservations beginning July 16, and the pop-up will be open to the public for reservations starting July 17.

Attendees will be transported to a "meticulously crafted re-creation of the famed Winchester Tavern" featured in the film. The event will also feature interactive photo ops, and attendees 21 and older will be served a complimentary themed beer from Beer Zombies (while supplies last). Additional event perks include exclusive merch, game demos, and giveaways.

Guests will be among the first players to experience the Shaun of the Dead-inspired level of the new action game Funko Fusion, released in September by Funko Inc. and developer 10:10 Games. The complimentary beer, the Winchester Plan, is provided by Beer Zombies Brewing Co. and is described as a European-style lager.

Shaun of the Dead

Shaun of the Dead became an instant commercial and critical success upon its release in 2004 and would obtain cult classic status during the years following. The movie's success is earned due to its storytelling, performances, and cinematography. Another highlight of the film is its references to George A. Romero's Night of the Living Dead. Over the years, fans have continued to watch the movie as many of the quirky characters are truly relatable, and the storytelling does a fantastic job of mixing scares alongside witty comedy.

"A side-splitting, head-smashing, gloriously gory horror comedy."

- Nev Pierce, BBC

The story follows Shaun (Pegg), a 30-ish slacker who, after being dumped by his girlfriend, must figure out how to survive and keep his friend safe at the onset of a zombie apocalypse.

Shaun's famous line from the movie, "Take car. Go to Mum's. Kill Phil, grab Liz, go to the Winchester, have a nice cold pint, and wait for all of this to blow over. How's that for a slice of fried gold?"

In celebration of the 20th Anniversary of Shaun of the Dead, the movie, remastered in Dolby Vision and Atmos, will return to theaters later in the year.

The Shaun of the Dead experience at SDCC is located at 520 Fifth Avenue. The free event will run the duration of the con from July 25 to 28. Thursday through Saturday, the pop-up is open from 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. and 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. on Sunday. Reservations will be available to the public beginning July 17.

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