*The Last Train to New York* has become one of the most talked-about zombie film projects of the mid-2020s, not because it has already hit theaters, but because of the high expectations and long development history surrounding it. Announced years ago as an English-language adaptation of the acclaimed South Korean horror film *Train to Busan*, the American version has been in development limbo for a long time, leaving fans both excited and uncertain about its eventual release.

The idea behind *The Last Train to New York* isn’t simply to copy the original story beat for beat, but to reinterpret and expand it in a new cultural and geographic context. According to producer James Wan, the film is intended to take place in the same fictional universe as *Train to Busan* — during the global outbreak depicted in that movie — but from the perspective of characters in the United States rather than South Korea. This means the core themes of survival, human connection, and societal breakdown could play out against the backdrop of New York City and its surrounding regions.

At its heart, the film is expected to follow a group of ordinary people who find themselves aboard a train leaving New York as a sudden and terrifying epidemic spreads. Much like the original, the confined space of the train will likely serve as a pressure cooker for conflicts, fears, and the moral choices that define humanity in the face of disaster. The motion of the train itself becomes a metaphor for escape and entrapment, forcing passengers to confront both the undead outside and the living crises within.

Behind the scenes, the creative team has expressed both passion and caution about the project’s direction. Screenwriter Gary Dauberman has talked about his desire to capture the emotional resonance and character dynamics that made *Train to Busan* such a global hit, while also shaping something distinct for American audiences. This balance between homage and reinvention has been one of the reasons the project has taken time to develop

However, *The Last Train to New York* has faced significant delays. Initially scheduled for an April 2023 release, it was removed from Warner Bros.’ calendar and has not yet been rescheduled, leaving its future uncertain. Director Timo Tjahjanto has publicly stated that he has been ready to make the film for years, but studio complications have stalled progress.

Despite these setbacks, interest in the film remains high among zombie genre fans. Its connection to a beloved original, combined with the potential for a fresh narrative set in one of the most iconic cities in the world, continues to fuel speculation and anticipation. If it does eventually reach screens, *The Last Train to New York* may offer both thrilling horror and a new take on familiar themes of survival in an apocalypse.