“Queens of the Dead” Brings Glamorous Gore and Queer Comedy to Theaters This October

This fall, horror fans and LGBTQ+ audiences alike are primed for a cinematic treat as “Queens of the Dead,” the debut feature from Tina Romero, arrives in theaters across the United States on October 24, 2025 . As the daughter of horror legend George A. Romero, Tina Romero brings both legacy and innovation to the screen, blending classic zombie tropes with the dazzling world of Brooklyn’s drag and queer nightlife.

Set during a wild warehouse party in Brooklyn, “Queens of the Dead” follows a vibrant ensemble of drag queens, club kids, and their frenemies as they are forced to band together when a zombie apocalypse erupts in the heart of their community . The film’s premise leans into the absurdity of its genre—zombie rats, go-go dancers turned undead, and even show-stopping drag performances in the midst of chaos—while never losing sight of its authentic queer heart .

The characters, each distinct and lovingly crafted, use their unique skills to survive as brain-hungry zombies descend upon their safe space. From quick banter and biting wit to a life-or-death runway walk, the survival strategies are as creative as they are campy .

“Queens of the Dead” boasts a standout ensemble, including Katy O’Brian (“Love Lies Bleeding”), Jaquel Spivey (“Mean Girls”), Tomas Matos (“Fire Island”), Dominique Jackson (“Pose”), Cheyenne Jackson (“American Horror Story”), Margaret Cho, Nina West (“RuPaul’s Drag Race”), Riki Lindhome (“Knives Out”), Eve Lindley (“Dispatches from Elsewhere”), and many more . The film’s commitment to casting LGBTQ+ performers and allies is evident, with drag artists and transgender actors taking on central roles. This representation is more than tokenism; it’s core to the film’s spirit and narrative.

The chemistry among the cast is a frequent highlight in early reviews, with particular praise for Dominique Jackson’s scene-stealing elegance and Nina West’s comedic timing .

Premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival in June 2025, “Queens of the Dead” quickly garnered attention, winning the Audience Award for Best Narrative Film . Critics and festival-goers praised the film for its balance of horror, humor, and heartfelt moments, describing it as “a unique undead delight” and “a bloody, gay blast” .

Director Tina Romero, during a Tribeca Q&A, spoke about her intention to bring joy and levity to the LGBTQ+ community through the film, especially in challenging times. She credited her father’s legacy of using horror as social commentary, while emphasizing her pride in making a film that is “unapologetically gay” .

The choice to set the film in a Brooklyn gay bar and to focus on drag culture is more than a stylistic flourish; it is a deliberate celebration of queer spaces as sanctuaries of expression and solidarity. In an era when LGBTQ+ venues continue to face both cultural and literal threats, “Queens of the Dead” turns the club into both a battleground and a beacon of queer joy .

The film’s humor is both sharp and affirming, poking fun at zombie conventions while never making its queer characters the butt of the joke. Instead, their resourcefulness, style, and community bonds become the story’s lifeblood—literally, in scenes where drag and dance save the day. A climactic musical number, featuring a drag outfit crafted from old drink cans, underscores the resilience and creativity that define both the film and its subjects .

Co-written by Tina Romero and comedian Erin Judge, produced by Natalie Metzger and Matthew Lee Miller, and financed in part by IFC Films, Shudder, and Flexibon Films, “Queens of the Dead” is notable for its collaborative, queer-led production team .

Industry observers suggest that the film could become a cult classic, much like the original “Night of the Living Dead” or “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” thanks to its memorable visuals, quotable dialogue, and emphasis on inclusion .

“Queens of the Dead” is widely regarded as a significant milestone in queer representation within horror and comedy cinema. By placing LGBTQ+ characters at the center of the action—rather than relegating them to sidekicks or stereotypes—the film offers visibility and affirmation to queer viewers, while inviting broader audiences to join in the fun .

As the film prepares for its national release, anticipation is high not only for its glamorous take on zombies but for its potential to inspire further inclusion and celebration of queer culture in mainstream media.

“Queens of the Dead” opens in theaters nationwide on October 24, 2025, with a streaming release on Shudder expected later in the year .