Bill Murray stars in Jim Jarmusch’s 2019 zombie comedy The Dead Don’t Die, which brilliantly references Murray’s other zombie film. The 73-year-old actor is one of the most recognizable movie stars ever, known for starring in some of the best comedy movies of all time, such as Groundhog Day and Ghostbusters. In the 21st century, Murray has stuck primarily to working with filmmakers he knows and is comfortable with, including Sofia Coppola, Wes Anderson, and Jim Jarmusch, who also directed him in the 2005 independent classic Broken Flowers.

In The Dead Don’t Die, Bill Murray co-stars alongside Adam Driver, another second-time collaborator of Jim Jarmusch, who previously worked with the filmmaker on the critically acclaimed Paterson. The film mixes elements of zombie horror with dry, absurd comedy, which seems like it could make for an exciting mix, especially given the esteemed talent involved. Unfortunately, it was considered one of Jim Jarmusch’s worst movies upon its release, with a 55% score on Rotten Tomatoes and an even worse Audience Score. It’s since found a second life on the streaming service Max, where it’s currently trending.

The Dead Don’t Die Includes A Character Inspired By Bill Murray’s Zombieland Role

A Zombie In The Dead Don’t Die Is Dressed Like Bill Murray’s Cameo Character From Zombieland

One of the funniest running gags is the appearance of the zombies in The Dead Don’t Die, which often provides comedic relief, differentiating it from other zombie horrors. Zombie make-up will always be spooky, but it’s easier to see the levity in the situation when the audience can recognize a famous musician like Iggy Pop in zombie form. At one point in the film, Adam Driver’s character leans out of the police cruiser to slice a zombie’s head off, which just so happens to be dressed exactly like Bill Murray’s character in Zombieland.

In 2009, Bill Murray made a cameo appearance in Zombieland, a movie that starred Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, and Emma Stone. It’s one of two-time Academy Award-winner Emma Stone’s best movies and also features a fun mix of horror and comedy, though the humor is more akin to a typical blockbuster. While The Dead Don’t Die struggled with critics and audiences, Zombieland is considered one of the best modern movies in the genre.

The Dead Don’t Die Wasn’t Bill Murray’s Only Zombie Movie In 2019

Bill Murray Returned To Cameo In Zombieland: Double Tap

In Zombieland, Murray plays himself, though he’s already been killed and zombified in the movie’s apocalypse scenario. He reprised the role in the 2019 sequel, Zombieland: Double Tap, where he appeared in a flashback scene before the apocalypse, playing himself doing press for Garfield 3. It’s a meta-joke, as he never actually made Garfield 3, but it makes for a fun reference. Murray had a busy year in 2019 with zombie movies, between starring in The Dead Don’t Die and showing up on Zombieland 2 to play himself.