The fourth installment in Disney Channel’s musical universe, Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires, has catapulted the franchise into a fresh supernatural chapter—complete with Daywalkers, vampires, and the familiar faces we’ve cheered on since Seabrook. As anticipation builds, here’s a deep dive into the full ensemble, spanning beloved returnees and bold newcomers who bring this musical mash‑up to life.
Returning Stars Anchoring the Legacy
Meg Donnelly as Addison Wells
Meg Donnelly resumes her role as Addison Wells—the resilient, empathetic cheerleader balancing ambition and heart. Her return signals continuity for loyal fans and an executive-level stake in the franchise’s creative direction. (en.wikipedia.org)
Milo Manheim as Zed Necrodopolis
Milo Manheim reprises Zed, the upbeat zombie with star‑quarterback ambitions. Not only is he back onscreen, he also steps into an executive producer role alongside Donnelly. (en.wikipedia.org)
Kylee Russell and Chandler Kinney as Eliza & Willa
Eliza (Kylee Russell) and Willa (Chandler Kinney) return to offer their trademark blend of support, sass, and solidarity. Willa, especially, appears to pass the torch with grace—Kinney describes feeling more confident personally and professionally through the series. (people.com)
“Playing Willa demanded so much of me. It was a challenge… that’s something I carry with me… trusting myself, standing up for myself…” (zombiegaming.org)
New Faces, New Factions: The Next Generation Arrives
Freya Skye as Nova (Daywalker)
Freya Skye makes her on‑screen debut here as Nova—a fierce, sun‑empowered Daywalker tasked with bridging old divides. The 15‑year‑old brings both fresh energy and fandom nostalgia to the screen. (en.wikipedia.org)
Malachi Barton as Victor (Vampire)
Malachi Barton portrays Victor, the proud and thoughtful Vampire leader opposite Nova. Having begun acting around age five, the now‑18‑year‑old embraces a bigger narrative and broader responsibility. (en.wikipedia.org)
Together, Nova and Victor aren’t just rivals—they’re symbolic bridges between clashing supernatural communities.
Ensemble Cast: Rounding Out Seabrook’s New Conflict
The film expands its roster with a dynamic supporting ensemble:
- Julian Lerner as Ray (Nova’s Daywalker best friend)
- Swayam Bhatia as Vera (a vamp with sass), who reveals fun behind‑the‑scenes details—like being active in group chats filled with memes. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Mekonnen Knife as Vargas (Victor’s steadfast ally)
- Lisa Chappell as the Vampire Eldress (Victor’s imposing relative)
- Jonno Roberts as Commander Bright (Nova’s authoritative father)
- (Plus, some records mention Lilac Encina as Lucy—a young Daywalker, though not always listed in all sources) (disney.fandom.com)
This ensemble brings much‑needed diversity and depth to the inter‑monster tensions at the heart of the story.
Cast Overview: Table for Quick Read
| Actor | Character | Role Type |
|———————|————————-|————————————–|
| Meg Donnelly | Addison Wells | Returning lead & executive producer |
| Milo Manheim | Zed Necrodopolis | Returning lead & executive producer |
| Kylee Russell | Eliza Zambi | Returning friend/supporting role |
| Chandler Kinney | Willa Lykensen | Returning friend/supporting role |
| Freya Skye | Nova Bright | Daywalker newcomer |
| Malachi Barton | Victor | Vampire newcomer |
| Julian Lerner | Ray | Nova’s best friend |
| Swayam Bhatia | Vera | Vampire with bite and sass |
| Mekonnen Knife | Vargas | Victor’s ally |
| Lisa Chappell | Vampire Eldress | Victor’s relative/antagonist |
| Jonno Roberts | Commander Bright | Nova’s father/authority figure |
| Lilac Encina (optional) | Lucy | Young Daywalker (limited mention) |
Evolution of the Franchise Through the Cast
This installment acts as a pivot point—the original core (Zed, Addison, Willa, Eliza) says farewell on screen and passes the baton to Nova, Victor, and others. The cast’s structure reflects a thoughtful shift from nostalgia to innovation. (people.com)
Behind the curtain, Donnelly and Manheim reflect on their journey with pride and a sense of passing legacy. As the story evolves, so does the team guiding it—melding creative stewardship and fandom loyalty.
Conclusion: A Cast That Bridges Generations
Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires presents a well‑balanced cast—one that anchors seasoned characters while boldly introducing new supernatural rivals and allies. The mix of returning talent and emerging faces, all backed by a story of unity, offers both reassurance and freshness.
Whether you’re here for the familiar rhythm or curious about the new beat, this ensemble ensures that the Zombies legacy stays vibrant—and maybe, just might continue in a fifth installment.

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