Warm Bodies (2013)
- Eagle-eyed viewers have noticed a hidden easter egg referencing Jonathan Levine's previous film in the background of the opening scene.
- Jonathan Levine originally wanted a completely different ending for the film, but test audiences preferred the one we see today.
- Before Nicholas Hoult was cast, several major A-list stars turned down the lead role because they felt the script was too risky.
Warm Bodies is a 2013 American paranormal romantic comedy directed by Jonathan Levine, based on Isaac Marion's 2010 novel. Nicholas Hoult stars as R, a zombie with an inner monologue who shuffles through a post-apocalyptic America unable to communicate beyond grunts and monosyllables despite a rich interior life. When R encounters Julie, a human survivor played by Teresa Palmer, and eats her boyfriend's brain โ gaining his memories and emotions โ he develops feelings for her that begin to reverse his zombification.
Warm Bodies was Romeo and Juliet reimagined as a zombie romance, complete with a balcony scene and star-crossed lovers from warring factions, and it executed the absurd premise with surprising sincerity and genuine charm. Nicholas Hoult's voiceover narration, communicating R's frustration at his inability to express his thoughts, was consistently funny and endearing. The film earned $116 million worldwide on a $35 million budget.
