Screen Gems has just named Matt Smith (Doctor Who) as the lead actor for their zombie horror flick Patient Zero, who will appear alongside the previously cast Natalie Dormer (TV’s Game of Thrones), according to Deadline. Smith will portray an immune survivor of a worldwide viral pandemic with the unique ability to communicate with the undead. He will use his special skill to find a “patient zero” in order to create a cure that will save humanity, starting with his infected wife.
The Mike Le-penned script will be directed by Stefan Ruzowitsky (Deadfall).
This is the second zombie film in the woodwork for Smith, as he soon will wrap filming on another Screen Gems project Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, adapted from the parody novel by Seth Grahame-Smith. He will continue the string of genre films with his recently announced role as John Connor’s ally in Terminator: Genisys. Before these highly-anticipated films move into post-production, however, Smith can be seen in Ryan Gosling’s directorial debut Lost River, which premiered at this year’s Cannes Film Festival and disappointingly fell on heavy criticism. Regardless, the English actor is establishing a foothold in box-office bait films, as well as cashing in on the continued popularity of the zombie genre.
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