This is the Zodiac Speaking: Release date, plot, cast, and everything we know about Netflix's newest true crime docuseries

Netflix is set to launch the haunting three-part docuseries This is the Zodiac Speaking just in time for Halloween. The Zodiac Killer was a ruthless and psychotic murderer who committed heinous crimes and dodged consequences since the 1960s.

He was violent, devious, and wanted to flaunt his crimes to the police—his pride. While several historical criminals redefined crime, including Ted Bundy, Charles Manson, Ed Gein, and Jeffrey Dahmer, the Zodiac Killer’s name continues to be in the Hall of Fame for the criminally insane.

This is one serial killer who rocked not just a nation but the entire world with his crimes—so much that they made a movie about him. The killer would make his victims suffer through inhumane acts of violence before killing them; he’d send cryptic messages to the press and police before his next attack.

Despite the police’s persistent and dedicated efforts, they were unable to nab him with any solid evidence—there were no traces of anything. Then again, technology wasn’t as advanced as it is today.

To date, the case of the Zodiac Killer remains open—the killer possibly roaming free or, as Netflix’s new docuseries strongly suggests, deceased.

Disclaimer: Parts of this article contain themes of violence. Reader discretion is advised.

When will This is the Zodiac Speaking release on Netflix?

This is the Zodiac Speaking is slated to release on October 23, 2024—nearly a week before Halloween. As mentioned, the docuseries is set to have three episodes, primarily focusing on the Zodiac Killer. The upcoming Netflix series was directed by Phil Lott and Ari Mark from Ample Entertainment—their company.

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The episodes will see both directors having conversations with the victims' families and unraveling never-before-seen evidence that points to the primary and logical suspect in this harrowing and unsolved case: Arthur Leigh Allen. Do note that although the evidence is strongly suggestive, Allen was never convicted or charged for the murders.

What is the plot for Netflix's This is the Zodiac Speaking?

Netflix’s This is the Zodiac Speaking will focus on the graphic letters the Zodiac Killer would send to investigators and journalists either before or after a murder. Per multiple reports concerning a body count from the letters, the Zodiac Killer is allegedly responsible for at least five murders in California and about 37 deaths.

Speaking to Variety exclusively, Lott and Mark gave a basic rundown of the plot of the anticipated docuseries. Highlighting the story as “era-defining,” Mark mentioned:

“There’s only a handful of real murder case IP that are not only quintessentially American but really define an era.”

In This is the Zodiac Speaking, the directors will uncover the shocking suggestion that Arthur was the bone-chilling serial killer. The Zodiac Killer would brutally assault his victims by harming them with knives, rope, and guns (in some cases)—something the docuseries will discuss.

Furthermore, the plot will be centered around the allegedly "incriminating conversations" via letters between Allen and his mother, hinting at him being the primary criminal.

“A lot of this material is brand new. It hasn’t been seen before...”

While they don’t specify which parts, Lott and Mark vaguely described their findings as “crazy and very incriminating material,” as mentioned earlier.

Who is in the cast for Netflix's This is the Zodiac Speaking?

The directors of This is the Zodiac Speaking will be making appearances in the documentary. Additionally, family members who had direct contact with Arthur during the time of the killings will also testify in the docuseries.

Lott and Mark did a lot of research by going through umpteen amounts of research, letters, and contacts to find this Californian family. Per the directors, the family began to “connect dots” after watching Robert Downey Jr.’s movie Zodiac and uncovered chilling similarities. Mark recalled the family’s statements saying,

“Fincher (Zodiac’s director) filmed at the real sites of the murders, and they realize ‘maybe he really was the Zodiac killer because he took us to all these places.”

Is there a trailer for This is the Zodiac Speaking?

Yes, there is a trailer for Netflix’s This is the Zodiac Speaking. The trailer begins with a vintage snap of Allen and quickly shifts to a person connected with the case recalling an interaction with the alleged killer.

The interviewee remembered firmly asking if Allen was the Zodiac Killer. The scene transitions to eerie music playing while descriptions of the murderer appeared: a black hood with slits around the eyes.

The scene continued with a brief narration of his crimes and signature letters followed by how it continues to be an open case. Possible family members of Allen believe they’ve been to every single murder site way before they happened and were in continual disbelief it could’ve been him.

The trailer concluded with the title of the Netflix docuseries and hope that the victims' families gain clarity about the whole story.