Queens of the Dead: Release date, cast and characters, plot, where to watch and more

The zombie apocalypse has never looked this fabulous. The upcoming film Queens of the Dead is set to bring drag, camp and chaos to the big screen when it hits theaters this month. The horror comedy marks the feature directorial debut of Tina Romero. The story follows a group of drag queens, club kids and misfits who must band together when a zombie outbreak crashes their Brooklyn warehouse party. With nowhere to run and plenty of drama to spare, they’re forced to fight back against the undead while navigating their own rivalries and insecurities. 

Queens of the Dead release details explored

The horror comedy film Queens of the Dead will be released in theaters on October 24, 2025, in the United States. The film’s distribution is being handled by Independent Film Company and Shudder in North America. Following its theatrical run, the movie will stream exclusively on Shudder. The film will also screen in the Freestyle section of the 20th Rome Film Festival this October, offering international audiences an early chance to experience Romero’s wild and witty vision. With a 99-minute runtime, Queens of the Dead delivers fast-paced horror and irreverent humor that should make it a standout among 2025’s Halloween releases.

Given its buzz from Tribeca and Romero’s strong creative pedigree, this looks to be one of Shudder’s most exciting acquisitions of the year — a midnight movie in the making that celebrates queer identity through chaos, glitter and gore.

Cast details for Queens of the Dead

Queens of the Dead features a lively and diverse ensemble packed with familiar faces from television, film, and drag stages. Katy O’Brian, known for Twisters and Love Lies Bleeding, stars as Dre, a butch DJ and drag producer who steps into the role of reluctant hero when the undead invade her party. Jaquel Spivey plays Sam, an anxious nurse and former performer who rediscovers his confidence in the face of danger.

Comedy legend Margaret Cho steals scenes as Pops, a fearless queer elder whose quick thinking and sharp humor help keep the survivors alive. Riki Lindhome appears as Dre’s pregnant wife Lizzy, while Cheyenne Jackson plays Jimmy, a smooth-talking regular whose charm may be hiding something. The cast also includes Jack Haven as Dre’s scatterbrained intern Kelsey, Nina West and Tomás Matos as colorful performers, and Dominique Jackson and Eve Lindley in key supporting roles. Toni Savini is also set to make a cameo appearance in the film.

Plot details and trailer breakdown

The trailer for Queens of the Dead teases a gleeful mix of camp horror and social satire. It opens with a high-energy drag show before chaos erupts, turning the glitter-filled warehouse into ground zero for the undead. As the performers and clubgoers realize what’s happening, they transform from entertainers into unlikely heroes, fighting off zombies with high heels, wigs and sheer attitude.

The narrative also weaves in moments of satire, poking fun at influencer culture, religious hypocrisy, and performative allyship, all while keeping the focus on the drag community’s strength and creativity. For all its camp and chaos, Queens of the Dead has something deeper to say — that even in the apocalypse, there’s power in visibility, self-expression and survival with style.

Catch Queens of the Dead in theaters on October 24, 2025, and get ready for a night of killer performances and undead fabulousness.