Before Zack Snyder delivered Rebel Moon, a two-part series for Netflix last December, he collaborated with the streaming platform on a very different project.
In 2021, Snyder created a post-apocalyptic zombie movie, Army of the Dead, which acted as a spiritual sequel to the 2004 movie Dawn of the Dead.
Though Army of the Dead was set in a completely different universe, Snyder’s unique vision breathed new life into the zombie genre, drawing attention from both fans of his earlier work and newcomers to his style.
Army of the Dead featured a talented cast, including notable faces like Dave Bautista, Omari Hardwick, and Ella Purnell, and it quickly became a streaming hit for Netflix.
The movie combined elements of action, horror, and heist genres, with its plot revolving around a group of mercenaries who infiltrate a quarantined, zombie-infested Las Vegas to retrieve a vault full of cash. This blend of genres made the film stand out and contributed to its popularity.
This project promised to go deeper into the story of how Las Vegas fell during the initial zombie outbreak, giving fans more of the action, characters, and tension that they loved in the original movie.
While Snyder is known for his live-action spectacles, this animated follow-up had many fans excited due to its fresh medium and the potential to expand on unexplored aspects of the Army of the Dead universe.
The series would focus on patient zero, a powerful zombie named Zeus (played by Richard Cetrone), who escapes from captivity and quickly spreads the infection across Las Vegas.
It would also follow the efforts of Scott Ward (voiced by Dave Bautista) and his rescue team as they tried to protect their loved ones during the early stages of the outbreak.
With such a strong premise, fans eagerly awaited news about the development of the series.
The cast for Lost Vegas was just as impressive as the original movie, featuring a stellar lineup of voice actors that included Monica Barbaro (Top Gun: Maverick), Anya Chalotra (The Witcher), Ross Butler (Shazam!), Nolan North (Uncharted video game series), Christina Wren (Will Trent), and Yetide Badaki (American Gods).
With such an ensemble cast and the promise of more thrilling zombie action, the project seemed destined for success.
In addition to Zack Snyder’s involvement as executive producer, the series also had a talented team behind the scenes.
Jay Oliva, known for his work on animated projects such as Batman: The Dark Knight Returns and Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox, was brought on as the showrunner for Lost Vegas.
Oliva’s experience in creating dynamic animated stories, combined with Snyder’s visionary storytelling, had fans anticipating something truly remarkable.
Still from Army of the Dead (Credit: Netflix)
However, despite all the positive momentum surrounding the series, things soon took an unexpected turn.
Netflix Pulls the Plug on Lost Vegas
After the series was well into production, news broke that Netflix had decided to halt the project. Producer Jay Oliva, who had been working closely with Zack Snyder, revealed in an interview with Screen Rant that while the series was nearly finished, Netflix had shifted its focus away from Lost Vegas.
Oliva explained that most of the animation work for the series had been completed, but Netflix made the decision to cancel the project before it could be fully realized. This was a disappointing update for fans who had been eagerly awaiting the animated sequel. Oliva stated:
“I mean, they haven’t said I can’t say anything. We completed mostly everything. We were in animation, but then Netflix eventually pulled the plug. So I don’t know. I offered to say, hey, let’s try to finish it. But I think their plan is to maybe do a Rebel Moon animated. I don’t know. I’m not a part of that.”
Despite the setback, Oliva expressed his pride in the work he and Snyder had done on Lost Vegas.
He described the project as something special, hinting at its potential to be one of the most visually and creatively impressive animated series in recent years.
While fans may never get to see the final product, Oliva’s words suggested that the project had a lot of promise.
“What I did with Zack on Lost Vegas was amazing, and it’s sad that you guys won’t see it. But there’s no reason that Netflix couldn’t revive it because all the pre-production was done. We were just in animation. All we had to do was to get it finished animated. But it looked great.”
Oliva also mentioned that the visual style of Lost Vegas was similar to what audiences could see in Infinity: Paradise Lost, an animated series that he worked on with Netflix. This provided a view of what Lost Vegas could have looked like had it been completed.
Is There Hope for a Revival?
Even though Lost Vegas was shelved, there remains a small possibility that the project could be revived in the future. Jay Oliva noted that all the pre-production work for the series had been completed, and the animation was well underway.
Given the amount of work that had already been done, Netflix could, in theory, decide to finish and release the series at a later date.
Snyder himself has not ruled out the possibility of the project being revived. While promoting his recent projects, he assured fans that Lost Vegas is still in development, although the future of the series remains uncertain.
Snyder’s involvement in other major projects, like Rebel Moon, might have contributed to Netflix’s decision to shift its focus. However, with Snyder’s continued success, it’s not impossible to imagine that Lost Vegas could be revisited if there is enough interest from fans.
The Future of Zack Snyder’s Army Universe
Although Lost Vegas may never see the light of day, Zack Snyder’s Army of the Dead universe continues to expand in other ways. In addition to the animated sequel, Snyder has hinted at the possibility of more live-action sequels and spin-offs within the Army franchise.
The world he created in Army of the Dead is filled with untapped potential, and fans are eager to see more stories set in this post-apocalyptic show.
Still from Army of the Dead (Credit: Netflix)
For now, fans can rewatch Army of the Dead, which remains available for streaming on Netflix. The movie’s blend of high-stakes action, compelling characters, and unique take on the zombie genre continues to entertain viewers, keeping the hope alive for more content from this universe.
However, with so much work already completed and fan interest still present, there is always a chance that Lost Vegas could be revived.
In the meantime, Zack Snyder’s creative journey continues with new projects like Rebel Moon, and fans of his work have plenty to look forward to.
Whether or not Lost Vegas is ever released, the Army of the Dead universe has left a lasting impact, and its potential remains as vast as the Las Vegas wasteland it brought to life.
The latest episode of Agatha All Along has arrived, and the best reaction is simply, “Wow.” Patti LuPone’s character, Lilia Calderu, takes the spotlight. She connects all the clues we have been discussing.
After the losses of Mrs. Hart (Debra Jo Rupp) and Alice Wu-Gulliver (Ali Ahn) on the dangerous Witches’ Road, the fate of every witch is uncertain.
Lilia, a divination witch with the ability to see beyond time, is the perfect person to figure out these fates. In last week’s episode, we learned that Teen (Joe Locke) is really Billy Maximoff, the son of the Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen), living in the body of William Kaplan.
Now, Lilia, Agatha (Kathryn Hahn), Jennifer Kale (Sasheer Zamata), and Rio Vidal (Aubrey Plaza) are reaching the end of the Road, where many Easter eggs are waiting for them.
Maleficent, The Evil Queen, Glinda, & The Wicked Witch of the West
In the fourth trial of the Witches’ Road, the coven dresses up in costumes that pay tribute to famous witches from pop culture. Each member chooses an iconic witch to represent. Billy takes on the role of Maleficent, known as the “Mistress of All Evil” from the classic 1959 film Sleeping Beauty.
His costume is striking, showcasing the dark and powerful nature of the character. Meanwhile, Jennifer portrays The Evil Queen, donning a black cloak and long gray hair, reminiscent of the character from Disney’s 1937 film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
Her humorous frustration at being given the “uglier” version of the character, compared to The Evil Queen’s later “beauty,” adds a fun twist to the episode. At least she gets to hold the iconic poisonous apple, which adds to the humor!
On the other hand, Agatha transforms into The Wicked Witch of the West, complete with a pointy hat and an exaggerated crooked nose. She fully embodies the classic villain. Lilia shines as Glinda, the Good Witch of the North. She wears a beautiful pink gown, adding a touch of elegance to the group.
These costumes reference not only the beloved 1939 film The Wizard of Oz but also the 1978 film The Wiz.
With the new film adaptation of Wicked, featuring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande playing Glinda and Elphaba, it is fascinating to see these iconic characters represented in different ways so close together. Each representation offers a fresh perspective on these timeless characters.
The Past Three Years Have Been Deeply Meaningful for Billy
Billy’s journey has not been easy, and his words reflect his struggles. When he responds sharply to Agatha, saying, “…she’s not my mom. I have a mom,” it hits hard. In this moment, he emphasizes the complexity of his identity.
The previous episode revealed that Billy’s ultimate wish at the end of the Road is to find his brother, Tommy, whose soul he can sense.
While it might have been assumed that reconnecting with his mother, Wanda, was his primary desire, it becomes clear that Billy is still working through who he truly is.
Still from Agatha All Along (Credit: Disney)
He has been living in the body of William Kaplan for three years. During this time, he has made a life for himself. He has new parents, Rebecca (Maria Dizzia) and Jeff Kaplan (Paul Adelstein), who have played a significant role in his life. He has built friendships, including with a boyfriend, Eddie (Miles Gutierrez-Riley).
Yet, he remains torn between his new identity and his past. Later in the episode, he confides in Lilia, expressing uncertainty about whether he is Billy Maximoff or William Kaplan. This moment serves as a poignant reminder of the emotional journey he has been on since leaving Westview.
Agatha Makes Another Disney Reference With Pixar’s Finding Nemo
In a lighthearted moment, Lilia confronts Billy about unresolved issues. She asks, “Jen, aren’t you furious?” to which Jen replies, “I mean, always. But collectively, we’ve all moved on.” Agatha joins the conversation with a quick and clever remark, making yet another Disney reference.
She compares Lilia to Dory, the beloved blue tang fish from Finding Nemo. Dory, voiced by Ellen DeGeneres, is known for her forgetfulness, which connects to Lilia’s own struggles. This comparison adds humor to the episode while highlighting Lilia’s confusion and challenges.
Death Makes Her MCU Debut, and the Clues Were Always There
One of the biggest revelations in this episode is the introduction of Rio Vidal as Death, the original Green Witch. This character has been part of Marvel Comics since her first appearance in Captain Marvel #26 in 1973.
It is surprising that it took so long for her to appear in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), given her strong connections to significant characters like Thanos and Deadpool. Aubrey Plaza is the perfect choice to portray her, bringing depth and charisma to the role.
Death has a rich history in the comics, often intertwined with other major storylines. Her love affair with Thanos is one of the most notable.
This storyline adds complexity to her character, and it will be intriguing to see how her relationship with Agatha develops in future episodes. Since Death is an immortal character, we can expect to see her again in upcoming Marvel projects.
Lilia Calderu’s Tarot Cards Represent the Coven and Their Journey
As Lilia comes to terms with the trial being her responsibility, she begins to see clearly. The tarot cards she draws reveal the deeper truths about the witches in her coven. She pulls the Queen of Cups card, which symbolizes empathy, intuition, and a voice that can be trusted.
This card reflects Lilia’s character and her role as a guide. Next, the Three of Pentacles card represents the coven as a whole. It signifies collaboration, community, and the power of many voices working together in harmony.
When Lilia draws the Knight of Wands card, it represents Alice Wu-Gulliver. This card symbolizes courage and the willingness to fight bravely. Alice’s character has shown great resilience throughout the series.
The High Priestess card represents Jennifer Kale, signifying immense spiritual power that she is either unable or unwilling to use. This card hints at the potential within Jennifer and the struggles she faces with her abilities.
Agatha Harkness is represented by the Three of Swords card, symbolizing heartbreak, sorrow, and grief. This card reflects Agatha’s journey and the obstacles she faces as a character.
The Tower reversed card is drawn for Billy, which suggests disaster, destruction, and sudden upheaval. However, it also signifies miraculous transformation, hinting at the potential for growth in Billy’s character.
Finally, the Destination card represents the shared path of the coven. Rio Vidal, as Death, embodies this card, symbolizing the interconnectedness of their journeys and the challenges they must face together.
Lilia’s realization of the significance of these cards marks a turning point in her understanding of her role and the roles of her friends.
Lilia’s Gaps Have Been Connecting Agatha All Along… All Along
Her moments of confusion and disorientation were a result of her experiencing time all at once. Until now, she could not piece together the complete narrative of her journey.
Still from Agatha All Along (Credit: Disney)
Lilia has been calling out the corresponding tarot cards of each witch at crucial moments, showing that her instincts were guiding her all along.
For example, her outburst “Get off me” in Episode 2 came when Agatha tackled her to the ground, saving her from a falling sword in this episode.
In Episode 3, when she mentions, “You know we really hated each other in the beginning, but now—” and later declares, “I love you guys,” these phrases make sense as she recognizes the bonds formed through their struggles.
In Episode 5, Lilia’s shout, “I hated this the first time,” during a tense moment with a cursed song, echoes her earlier experiences. Billy accused her of “being weird again,” but now we understand that her future self was revisiting that moment.
Her question, “Which is it? Am I wispy or am I kooky?” directed at Alice in Episode 4, is revealed to be her reaction to Jen’s words in the tunnels beneath the Road.
Finally, Lilia’s urgent pleas following Alice’s death, such as “try to save Agatha” in Episode 3 and “Alice, don’t” in Episode 4, can now be seen as her attempts to warn Alice about sacrificing herself.
The connections made throughout the series highlight the complexity of Lilia’s character and the intricacies of the story being told.
This Isn’t the First Instance of “Time in a Bottle” in a Time-Jumping Marvel Property
If you felt a sense of déjà vu while listening to Jim Croce’s “Time in a Bottle” during the end credits of this week’s episode, you are not alone.
This song has appeared in various Marvel properties before, creating a nostalgic effect for fans. However, its inclusion in this episode serves a greater purpose than just a pleasant melody.
This episode is not the first time “Time in a Bottle” has accompanied a Marvel story that involves time manipulation. In a beloved scene from X-Men: Days of Future Past, Evan Peters first showcased his super speed as Quicksilver.
During this sequence, time seems to freeze around him as he moves quickly, and “Time in a Bottle” plays in the background, enhancing the moment’s emotional impact.
With Lilia’s time-hopping abilities on full display in this week’s episode, the song’s use serves as a fitting callback to that iconic scene.
The blend of memories and experiences creates a rich show for viewers, linking characters and their journeys across different Marvel stories.
It also highlights the clever storytelling that Marvel has become known for, weaving together various timelines and narratives in a cohesive manner.
The Impact of Lilia’s Journey on the Series
Lilia Calderu’s journey has been central to the narrative of Agatha All Along. From her initial confusion to her eventual clarity, her character arc reflects themes of identity, self-discovery, and the bonds formed through shared experiences. The complexity of her character is a testament to the writing and the performances of the cast.
Patti LuPone’s portrayal of Lilia brings depth and nuance to the character. Her ability to show the emotional show of the series adds a layer of richness to the story.
As Lilia learns to embrace her powers and connect with her friends, the audience is drawn into her journey. The revelations about her past and her understanding of time make her a compelling character to follow.
Moreover, Lilia’s interactions with the other witches highlight the importance of teamwork and collaboration.
Each character brings unique strengths and struggles, and their connections create a strong sense of community. As they face challenges together, the bond between them deepens, showcasing the power of friendship and support.
With the end of the Road approaching, the witches are faced with new challenges and revelations.
As they confront their fears and desires, it will be interesting to see how each character evolves. The connections made throughout this episode will likely play a crucial role in the events to come.
Billy’s journey of self-discovery is far from over. As he continues to grapple with his identity, his relationship with his brother Tommy will become increasingly significant.
The emotional weight of their connection is a powerful driving force for his character. It will be fascinating to see how this relationship unfolds in future episodes and how it influences Billy’s choices.
Lilia’s growth will also be a key focus moving forward. Her newfound clarity and understanding of her powers set the stage for exciting developments.
As she embraces her role as a leader and a guide, her interactions with the other witches will shape their collective journey.
Agatha’s character is layered with complexity, and her relationship with Death introduces new dynamics. The implications of their connection will likely lead to unexpected twists and turns.
As Agatha faces her past and the choices she has made, viewers can anticipate an intriguing scheme of her character.
The Excitement of Agatha All Along
The latest episode of Agatha All Along has left fans buzzing with excitement. The blend of humor, emotional depth, and clever references to pop culture makes for a attracting viewing experience. The characters’ journeys are intricately woven together, showcasing the importance of friendship and self-discovery.
Still from Agatha All Along (Credit: Disney)
As we eagerly await the next episode, the questions linger: What challenges will the witches face next? How will their connections shape their futures?
With each passing episode, the story grows richer and more complex, keeping viewers engaged and invested in the characters.
Agatha All Along continues to prove itself as a unique and engaging addition to the Marvel universe.
The clever storytelling, combined with the powerful performances of the cast, creates a narrative that resonates with audiences.
As the series unfolds, fans can look forward to more surprises, revelations, and moments of connection that make this journey unforgettable.
