Director Yeon Sang-ho, known for the acclaimed zombie thriller 'Train to Busan,' is set to release his latest film, 'Colony,' on August 28 in U.S. theaters. This new entry in the undead genre features a unique premise where infected individuals are controlled by a scientifically engineered fungus, granting them hivemind intelligence and evolving capabilities. This collective evolution of the infected is mirrored by the human characters' descent into panic and infighting, creating a thematic contrast that director Yeon highlights as an allegory for societal divisions.
While 'Colony' draws inspiration from classic zombie narratives such as 'Dawn of the Dead' and 'Invasion of the Body Snatchers,' Yeon revealed that video games also played a significant role in its conception. He described the film's structure as being influenced by the escalating difficulty found in many games, likening the zombies' increasing intelligence to progressing through new stages of a game. Specifically, Yeon cited the 48-year-old puzzle game 'Road Runner' as an inspiration, not for its gameplay mechanics, but for the experience of navigating increasingly complex environments.
Although 'Colony' shares a fungal infection premise with 'The Last of Us,' Yeon clarified that the popular video game franchise was not a direct inspiration. He expressed admiration for 'The Last of Us' but pointed to the 1970s film 'Invasion of the Body Snatchers' as a closer reference for the zombies' collective intelligence and distinctive gestures when detecting humans.
The Mall as a Metaphor
The setting of 'Colony,' a sprawling shopping mall, echoes George A. Romero's 'Dawn of the Dead.' Yeon explained that the mall represents human civilization, which becomes corrupted by the zombie outbreak. The film aims to contrast the primitive origins of the infected with their rapid evolution of intelligence, against the civilized humans who devolve into barbarism due to their own desires and selfishness. The mall, covered in zombie residue, becomes a visual representation of this thematic conflict.
A Potential Game Sequel
Yeon also hinted at the possibility of a sequel to 'Colony' being developed as a video game. He mentioned a collaboration with Smilegate, an online game company that developed 'Crossfire.' Discussions during the production phase explored the potential for a game sequel, suggesting that further gamified elements could be incorporated into the franchise's future.