Tina Romero Debuts Queer Zombie Comedy 'Queens of the Dead'

Tina Romero, daughter of the late George A. Romero, has made her feature directorial debut with "Queens of the Dead," a horror-comedy film that honors her father's legacy while infusing it with her unique perspective centered on queer culture and nightlife. The film, set during a zombie outbreak in Brooklyn, features a predominantly LGBTQ+ cast of drag queens and club kids who band together to fight the undead, blending glam, camp, and humor with traditional zombie tropes. Inspired by her experiences as a DJ in the queer nightlife scene and her desire to explore themes of chosen family and community, Tina sought to create a more joyous and uplifting representation of the queer community as heroes. While maintaining iconic elements like slow zombies and a bite turning victims, she added modern twists such as zombies still engaging with digital devices, reflecting humanity's dependence on technology. The film was in development for eight to nine years, with Tina collaborating closely with comedian Erin Judge and receiving her late father's support before his passing. "Queens of the Dead" has been recognized for its fresh take on the genre, providing a queer, glamorous, and heartfelt expansion of the zombie narrative her father helped pioneer.