Kingdom: Trailer for Korean Medieval Zombie Netflix Series
Netflix is teaming up with Korean storytellers Kim Seong-Hun (director of the 2016 thriller film Tunnel) and Kim Eun-Hee (writer of the acclaimed TV series Signal), and the production company Astory, for a new zombie show set during Medieval times. The series is appropriately called Kingdom.
According to the official press release, the show combines a historical period drama with zombie action. This isn’t exactly a new concept. The 2016 film based on the novel Pride and Prejudice and Zombies took the world of Jane Austen and added the undead to the English countryside. But while that movie took place during the Victorian era, Kingdom promises knights, castles, and hopefully plenty of decapitation via sword.
The show takes place during Korea’s medieval Joseon period and tells the story of a crown prince who goes on a mission to investigate a mysterious outbreak in his land. What he finds – we assume it’s zombies – is surely a huge threat for his kingdom.
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Check out the first trailer below:
The series stars Ju Ji-hoon, Bae Donna (who you may recognize as a frequent collaborator of the Wachowskis), Ryu Seung-ryong, Kim Sang-ho, Heo Joon-ho, Jeon Seok-ho, and Chu Hun-yub.
“I have been working on Kingdom since 2011,” revealed writer Kim Eun-Hee. “I wanted to write a story that reflects the fears and anxiety of modern times but explored through the lens of a romantic fascination of the historical Joseon period. Working with Netflix helps us to unlock this creative vision for Kingdom and I am excited to further build this unique story with the director for whom I have tremendous respect.”
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Netflix’s Erik Barmack added this: “Kingdom captured our imaginations from the moment we read the script with its visual feast of historical drama blended with supernatural fantasy. We are incredibly honored by this rare opportunity of pairing two premier creative minds in Korea”.
Kingdom season 1 will consist of 8 episodes and is set to premiere on Jan. 25, 2019. A second season is also planned and will begin production in February 2019.
John Saavedra is an associate editor at Den of Geek. Read more of his work here. Follow him on Twitter @johnsjr9.
