Disney Channel’s beloved “Zombies” franchise, which has captivated young audiences with its mix of musical numbers, supernatural themes, and messages of unity, appears poised for a fifth installment that shifts the spotlight from fan-favorite couple Zed and Addison to a fresh wave of characters. A purported teaser trailer circulating on social media platforms like YouTube and Facebook suggests “Zombies 5: Splash of the Sirens” will explore underwater realms, introducing mermaids, sirens, ancient ocean magic, and a prophecy that could upend the harmony in Seabrook. While Disney has yet to officially confirm the project, cast comments and online buzz indicate Zed (Milo Manheim) and Addison (Meg Donnelly) will transition into mentorship roles, passing the torch to a new generation after years of defending their town from various threats.

The “Zombies” series began in 2018 with the original film, following zombie football star Zed and human cheerleader Addison as they navigated prejudice in a divided community of zombies and humans. Subsequent movies—”Zombies 2″ (2020), “Zombies 3” (2022), and “Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires” (2024)—expanded the universe with werewolves, aliens, and vampires, respectively. Each entry featured high-energy dance sequences, original songs, and themes of inclusion, grossing modestly at the box office while thriving on Disney+ with millions of streams. “Zombies 4,” which introduced vampires to Seabrook, ended on a triumphant note but left doors open for further adventures, prompting speculation about a fifth film.

According to the Disney Zombies Wiki and various fan sites, “Zombies 5” is slated for a summer 2027 release, directed by Paul Hoen, who helmed the previous films. Distributed by Disney Platform Distribution, the movie’s runtime remains unconfirmed, but it promises to dive into oceanic lore. The plot reportedly centers on a new threat from the depths: mermaids and sirens emerging with ancient magic tied to a prophecy that could “tear everything apart.” This narrative shift allows Zed and Addison, now established as Seabrook’s saviors, to step back as mentors, guiding a younger ensemble through underwater battles and emotional trials.

The teaser, titled “Zombies 5: Mermaids Trailer (2026) Sneak Peek” on YouTube, opens with Zed and Addison reflecting on their past victories—saving Seabrook from zombie-human divides, werewolf incursions, alien invasions, and vampire uprisings. “We’ve fought for this town,” Zed narrates, his voice heavy with emotion, as flashbacks montage their journey. The scene transitions to ominous underwater visuals: glowing sirens luring characters with hypnotic songs, mermaids wielding tridents infused with ancient magic, and a massive prophecy scroll unfurling in the ocean depths. Hints of tears from Addison suggest a poignant farewell, while massive dance battles—choreographed with aquatic flair—promise the franchise’s signature spectacle. A twist, teased as “no one saw coming,” involves a betrayal that could force Zed and Addison back into action.

Cast updates fuel excitement. Manheim and Donnelly, who have grown with their roles since their late teens, expressed enthusiasm for a potential fifth film in July 2025 interviews. Donnelly told Dexerto, “If there’s a Zombies 5, it’d be amazing to see Zed and Addison as mentors—passing on what they’ve learned.” Manheim echoed this, hinting at “underwater elements” and “new supernatural beings.” While their screen time may decrease, sources suggest cameo-like appearances in key showdowns. New additions include rumored roles for emerging talents portraying the mermaid and siren leaders, with Disney eyeing diverse casting to reflect global audiences. Returning favorites like Chandler Kinney (Willa), Pearce Joza (Wyatt), and Ariel Martin (Wynter) from the werewolf pack could bridge generations.

Production details remain under wraps, but filming is speculated to begin in early 2026 in Vancouver, Canada, a staple location for the series due to its versatile sets for both land and simulated underwater scenes. Special effects teams from previous films, known for blending practical choreography with CGI, are expected to handle the oceanic elements—think synchronized swimming meets zombie shuffles. The soundtrack, a highlight of the franchise, will likely feature pop-infused tracks with siren motifs, composed by George S. Clinton and collaborators from past entries.

Public reaction to the teaser has been mixed but fervent. On TikTok, clips of the underwater dance sequences have gone viral, with users recreating moves under hashtags like #Zombies5Sirens and #ZedAddisonFarewell. A Facebook video titled “Zombies 5 Official Trailer: The Sirens Arrive” amassed thousands of shares, with comments lamenting the “dreaded” torch-passing while praising the fresh mythology. “It’s bittersweet—Zed and Addison are icons, but mermaids sound epic,” one user wrote. Critics, however, question if the franchise risks overextension, with some outlets like The Direct noting Disney’s cautious approach post-“Zombies 4.” As of mid-2025, no official greenlight was announced, but cast optimism and teaser proliferation suggest momentum.

Thematically, “Zombies 5” continues the series’ focus on acceptance, now extending to aquatic beings. The prophecy element introduces high stakes, potentially involving a curse that merges land and sea worlds, forcing alliances. This evolution mirrors Disney’s strategy with franchises like “Descendants,” where original stars mentor newcomers to sustain longevity. Donnelly, in a YouTube fan Q&A, teased “tears and triumphs,” hinting Zed and Addison’s goodbye might not be permanent—perhaps a mid-film return for an “epic showdown.”

Disney’s broader slate includes animated features and Marvel projects, but “Zombies” holds a niche in live-action musicals for tweens. With streaming competition from Netflix’s “Wednesday” and Paramount’s “Monster High,” introducing mermaids could refresh the formula. Analysts predict strong viewership if marketed via Disney+, with tie-in merchandise like siren dolls and prophecy-themed apparel already speculated on fan forums.

Challenges loom: Aging cast members like Manheim (24) and Donnelly (25) may prioritize adult roles—Manheim in “School Spirits,” Donnelly in “The Winchesters.” Yet, their attachment to the franchise, born from chemistry tests in 2017, suggests willingness for cameos. Hoen, the director, told Variety in 2024 that future films would “honor the OGs while innovating.”

As 2026 unfolds, expect more teasers and announcements. For now, the “Zombies 5” buzz underscores the series’ enduring appeal—blending horror-lite with heart. Whether Zed and Addison’s mentorship signals a true handover or a setup for return, fans await the splash.