Behind-the-Scenes of 'Zombie Daughter': A Comic Drama with Perfect Casting and Unique Zombie Details

The film 'Zombie Daughter' has released an exciting behind-the-scenes training log video.

◆ Perfect Casting from the Comic

'Zombie Daughter' is a comic drama about a doting father who embarks on a secret mission to protect his daughter, the last remaining zombie in the world. The actors' uncanny resemblance to their comic counterparts is drawing attention.

Jo Jung-suk, who plays the father Jeong-hwan, reportedly said, "This is me," upon reading the script, promising a realistic performance. Lee Jung-eun, praised by both actors and crew as "someone straight out of a comic," adds vitality to the film with special makeup, wire action, and spontaneous ad-libs in her role as the grandmother Bamsun. Jo Yeo-jeong portrays Jeong-hwan's first love and zombie hunter Yeon-hwa with a charming multi-dimensional character. Yoon Kyung-ho, a real-life friend of Jo Jung-suk, plays Jeong-hwan's reliable ally Dong-bae, showcasing perfect chemistry. Choi Yoo-ri, as the zombie daughter Soo-ah, surprised the set with her transformation in both appearance and acting.

◆ Detailed Zombies with Emotions

The second highlight is the detailed work by Korea's top production team. Jeon Young, a choreographer known for 'Kingdom,' 'The Wailing,' and 'Train to Busan,' emphasized the emotional depth of each zombie, setting 'Zombie Daughter' apart from other zombie films. Under his direction, Choi Yoo-ri's efforts, inspired by animal movements, resulted in a uniquely lovable zombie. Meanwhile, makeup director Jo Tae-hee, known for 'All of Us Are Dead' and 'Peninsula,' used special lenses graded from 1 to 4 to reflect Soo-ah's emotions and situations. Art director Chae Kyung-sun, from 'Squid Game' and 'Exit,' meticulously recreated Bamsun's house to evoke the feeling of flipping through a storybook, enhancing immersion for both actors and audience.

◆ 'Thumbs Up Teamwork' and Perfect Chemistry

Lastly, the perfect chemistry among the cast of 'Zombie Daughter' cannot be overlooked. Descriptions of the set include "everyone trying to outdo each other with humor" (Jo Yeo-jeong), "the overall teamwork was truly thumbs up" (Yoon Kyung-ho), and "we gradually became like a real family" (Choi Yoo-ri), conveying a lively and harmonious atmosphere that heightens anticipation for the film's genuine family chemistry.

'Zombie Daughter' will be released in theaters nationwide on the 30th.

Kim Ji-won, TenAsia Reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr