Milo Manheim and Meg Donnelly Talk Zombies 4, Stepping in as Executive Producers, and the Scene That Left Them in Tears

Few on-screen duos have defined a generation quite like Milo Manheim and Meg Donnelly. As true triple threats—actors, singers, and dancers—they’ve brought charisma, creativity, and heart to everything they do. Now stepping into executive producer roles, they’re adding yet another dimension to their artistry. Their breakout in Disney’s Zombies franchise didn’t just introduce Zed and Addison to the world—it cemented Milo and Meg as two of the industry’s most exciting and multifaceted young voices.

In Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires, Zed and Addison’s journey takes another unexpected turn when their summer road trip lands them in the middle of a brewing rivalry between Daywalkers and Vampires. As tensions rise, they’re tasked with bringing unity to two supernatural factions that would rather remain divided. It’s a story packed with new characters, infectious musical numbers, and heartfelt lessons—but what makes this installment particularly special is how Milo and Meg’s voices helped shape it, both in front of and behind the camera. And for longtime fans, it all builds to a powerful full-circle moment that hits with surprising emotional weight.

Pop Culturalist caught up with Milo and Meg to talk about stepping into their roles as executive producers, how returning to Zed and Addison reignited their creative spark, and the evolution of the franchise they’ve helped define. They opened up about the collaborative spirit on set, the emotional impact of one unforgettable scene, and how Meg’s latest EP dying art mirrors Addison’s own inner journey.

PC: Milo, you’ve shared this beautiful sentiment before—that every experience you have as an actor enriches your life, and every life experience, in turn, enriches your acting. Now, returning to this franchise as an executive producer alongside Meg, how has stepping into that role behind the scenes shaped your perspective, both personally and creatively?
Milo: I love that. That’s a great question. Stepping back into Zed and Addison actually informed us as producers, rather than the other way around. We were part of the casting process and helped build this universe, but it wasn’t until we got there—back in character and feeling it—that the creative juices really started flowing.

Honestly, I really needed Meg to help build my confidence as a producer. Anytime she brought something up that I had just been thinking about, it was so validating—like, “Yes, our minds are in the same place. I’m not going crazy.” And anytime I brought something up that she agreed with, she would always encourage me to speak up.

We knew we had those jobs, but it was interesting figuring out where we fit in at the beginning. Thankfully, we had such a collaborative group of people that everything felt easy. Even if you suggested something that didn’t work, you learned why—whether it was logistical, creative, or whatever. It’s all part of the process. I feel like every failure and every success has something to teach you.

PC: There’s something really special about the two of you. Meg, your summer is off to such an exciting start. Not only do you have this film release, but you also dropped your new EP, dying art, and I love the concept behind it—imagining each song as if it were auditioning to be part of the process. If one of those songs were to audition for Zombies 4 and represent Addison’s journey, which would it be and why?
Meg: Oh my gosh. There are so many. Wow.

Milo: That’s a good question. These are great questions.

Meg: Going a bit deep here—the song “dying art” is about being in the industry and questioning, “Why am I doing this? Am I happy doing this? Is it all worth it?”

For Addison, throughout all the movies, she’s been a symbol of hope and positivity. But I feel like there are so many moments where she’s probably asked herself the same thing—is all of this worth it? Bringing all these people together has to be draining, especially in this movie, where they try to teach these kids lessons, only to have things go back to the way they were. That can be really stressful.

PC: Without giving anything away, there’s a moment near the end of the film that feels like such a fun Easter egg—and such a beautiful, full-circle payoff for these characters, especially with the song choice. What was your reaction when you both read that scene in the script?
Milo: Thank you for saying that. That moment is really important to us, too. It wasn’t just one reaction—but without getting into too many specifics, it was something Meg and I really fought for. And we succeeded. The way it’s told, and the way it was executed, is exactly how we envisioned it.

What made it even more special was how everything aligned that day. The clouds literally parted. It had been so windy, and then it suddenly got super quiet. That song always makes me reflect on everything we’ve done, and to be standing there with Meg—it was perfect. Honestly, it’s my favorite single day of shooting I’ve ever had.

Meg: It’s really cool how the song is so much more stripped-down and intimate this time around. The way the lyrics change, how it feels more grounded—it’s just so beautiful and emotional.

At the table read, we sobbed every single time. I’m sure there’s footage somewhere that maybe they’ll release one day. It was so special and so emotional, especially with the context of nearly ten years together. It means so much. There are just so many layers to that moment.

Make sure to follow Milo (Instagram) and Meg (Instagram). Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires premieres on July 10th on Disney Channel and next day on Disney+.