Ash vs Evil Dead meets Xena in Shudder’s The Dead Lands trailer

Shudder's new original series THE DEAD LANDS will premiere with two episodes across all of Shudder’s territories in January. Described as Ash vs Evil Dead meets Xena: Warrior Princess, THE DEAD LANDS is

a supernatural adventure set in a mythic Maori past where a murdered Maori warrior, Waka Nuku Rau (Te Kohe Tuhaka) is sent back to the world of the living to redeem his sins. But the world Waka returns to is ravaged by a breach between Life and the Afterlife as the spirits of the newly dead now stalk the land and hunt the living. Waka encounters a determined young woman, Mehe (Darneen Christian), who becomes both his protégé and moral compass. Together, they navigate tribal politics, the unsettled ghosts of Ancestors and other forces both natural and supernatural, on a quest to discover who "broke the world" and how to repair it—if it’s not too late. 

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The eerie world of THE DEAD LANDS, as well as the characters brought to life (or death) within it, are inspired by Maori traditions and histories. The series is set in a mythical Aoteoroa (the Maori name for New Zealand), taking full advantage of the natural beauty of its landscapes. The series features screen combat performed in the Maori martial art of Mau Rakau, while elements of action and fantasy throughout the story have been given shape by versions of Maori rituals reimagined for the show. In order to honor the Maori people and their culture, the creation of the series required authoritative Maori control and advice to be present in all areas, both in front of and behind the camera. 

 Producer Tainui Stephens says:

The modern Maori world thrives because our story traditions insist we respect the past before we explore the potential of the future. With THE DEAD LANDS, we're proud to bring our people and those traditions to global audiences.

Shudder’s General Manager Craig Engler adds: 

THE DEAD LANDS is a bold, exciting series unlike anything else on TV—an epic adventure in a breathtaking setting, based on Maori culture. It's got action, scares, and humor in equal measures, and we can't wait to share it with Shudder members around the world.

THE DEAD LANDS stars Te Kohe Tuhaka, Darneen Christian, Kirk Torrance, and Vicky Haughton. The eight-episode series is written by Glenn Standring and directed by Peter Meteherangi, Tikao Burger, and Michael Hurst. Tainui Stephens and Liz Adams produce while Standring, Fraser Brown and Matthew Metcalfe serve as executive producers. It will premiere two episodes across all of Shudder’s territories on Thursday, January 23, 2020.