A Zombie Trump? Exploring the Possibilities with The Walking Dead Universe
A Zombie Trump? Exploring the Possibilities with The Walking Dead Universe
Would it be a chainsaw-drenched, brains-eating, nostalgic parody of the 45th President to see Zombie Trump leading the undead horde in a post-apocalyptic world? Let's delve into the The Walking Dead universe's potential for such a biting satire and analyze the feasibility and impact.
The Walking Dead and Parody
Robert Kirkman, creator of The Walking Dead, has a knack for dealing with serious topics. However, his works tend to remain grounded in the realism of the post-apocalyptic world. Kirkman hasn't shied away from political commentary, but his content has always leaned towards a more dark and gritty narrative. If a zombie Trump parody were to happen, it might be more in the realm of imaginative fan fiction than an official series.
Z Nation and Parody
Z Nation, on the other hand, takes a different approach. Known for its offbeat humor and Black Summer, a more serious spinoff, it approaches political satire with a lighter touch. The show's unorthodox humor might actually be better suited for a Zombie Trump story. It could serve as an allegory, showing how such a figure might manipulate an unquestioning horde in a post-apocalyptic setting, leading to a perfect storm of chaos and drivel.
Black Summer: A Closer Look
Black Summer, which delved into the atrocities and perils of 'Trump’s America', doesn’t quite reach the level of parody that Z Nation often presents. While it's a valid commentary on real-world events, the show lacks the biting satire that could accompany a Zombie Trump segment. A subplot or even a standalone episode focusing on Zombie Trump could turn into a hilarious yet dark satire, making the show stand out even more.
Realism vs. Parody
Parody and satire require a balance of truth and hyperbole. Zombie Trump, in the cue of a post-apocalyptic film, would need to be taken seriously to drive the narrative forward. As Robert Kirkman himself might say, 'A GALAXY of No.' — Buffy Summers. The complexity of creating a convincing and entertaining zombie would make it incredibly challenging, if not impossible, to take seriously. However, it wouldn’t necessarily ‘ruin’ the universe; it could add an interesting twist, albeit a surreal one.
Who Would You Cast in the Role?
For a Z Nation or even a standalone The Walking Dead episode centered around Zombie Trump, the casting could be a nod to both the show and the real-world figure. Robert Patrick, known for his role in Terminator 2: Judgment Day, could bring a certainswagger to the part of a cold, calculating, and relentless zombie leader. Other options might include Bruce Willis or John Cusack, both of whom have shown a knack for playing dictatorial characters with a veneer of benevolence or, in this case, malice.
Conclusion
The Walking Dead universe, especially Z Nation, offers a rich ground for exploring political satire and dystopian parodies. A Zombie Trump segment could be a humorous and critical commentary on leadership and followership in a world where the lines between good and evil, right and wrong, are blurred and deeply disturbed. While it might not be a straightforward narrative, it could be a standout episode in any of these series, pushing the boundaries of entertainment and social commentary.
Further Reading
a href/the-walking-dead-seriesExplore more of The Walking Dead universe/a anda href/z-nation-seriesdissect the unique world of Z Nation/a. Discover how these shows handle political satire and dark humor.