Eli Miller

> We're the Zombie Hunters, because we bring the thunder and the lightning, sons of bitches!
>
> Eli Miller, April 17, 1983

## Biographical Information

### Family

Carole Miller (mother)Marshall Miller (father)

### Other relations

* Maddy Walsh (girlfriend)
* Dylan Denbrough (best friend)
* Mike Cohen (best friend)
* Taylor Austin (best friend)
* Troy Brolin (friend; former bully)

### Occupation

Student at Douglas Middle School (1981-)Zombie Hunters (1983-)

## Portrayal

### Films

Zombies Vs Idiots

**Elijah "Eli" Miller** , portrayed by Nicolas AVO, is a main character in the Zombies Vs. Idiots franchise. The co-founder of the Zombie Hunters business, he is later the boyfriend of Maddy Walsh, the best friend of Dylan Denbrough, Mike Cohen and Taylor Austin, and the former target of Troy Brolin.

During the night of April 1, 1983 while playing a campaign of Dungeons & Dragons with Dylan, Mike and Taylor, Eli encountered a zombie in his backyard after a few noises grabbed his attention. Terrified, Eli dashed back inside his home, warning his friends about his encounter, however, they brushed off his warnings and acted as if nothing had happened. The next day, her future girlfriend Maddy Walsh, the most coveted girl in his school, returned from visiting a friend and stumbles across a zombie in her kitchen, causing her to shriek and dash out. Later that day, Eli and Dylan got together at a park to shotgun cans of Coca-Cola, and Eli discusses his idea of catching zombies as a business, likening it to getting cockroaches removed in order to prevent them from spreading out into the rest of the country. Despite Dylan's initial objections, he leaves the final word to his Magic 8 Ball, and after being responded with an affirmative statement, Dylan agrees to starting the business.

A few days later, Eli uses his garage as the main headquarters for his business. Despite Dylan having certain knowledge on driving, he's still reluctant about using his dad's car for transport, and they later get a commercial for their business on TV. Maddy visits Eli's house after seeing their commercial on air. Eli, infatuated, is quick to assisting her issue. Maddy takes Eli to her home to investigate, but realizes that the zombie has long since left, and Eli unsuccessfully attempts to invite her to the movies. The Zombie Exterminators are hired to remove a fat zombie from their middle school. Having failed to properly test their equipment, Eli and Dylan are wary of their makeshift net, but despite trouble, they successfully catch the zombie. In order to contain the undead, Eli chooses the warehouse his father left to his mother after they divorced to contain them. Undead activity in the town increases rapidly and the Zombie Hunters become famous; they hire Mike and Taylor to cope with the growing demand.

Later that night, a zombie, named Dextroski, who is revealed to be able to speak as a human, escapes his world through the rift created by the lab. He turns out to be highly intelligent, and can speak to zombies perfectly, rallying them up to create a clan, and after being revealed that the Zombie Hunters had been slowing them down, he chooses to kidnap Maddy, who has formed a friendship with Eli in order to lure the Zombie Hunters into their headquarters and that way, kill them before sacrificing Mandy, as part of Dextroski's plan to rule the world. After the Zombie Hunters find out what happened to Maddy through a police report, Eli drives out into the Douglas National Lab to see if it had anything to do with the undead activity. After stumbling across Rosenberg and being told what happened through a series of threats, Eli demands for the Portal Nexus Device to be fixed to prevent any more zombies from entering their world.

The next day, the group searches for the zombie headquarters together with the lab's Director of Operations, Dr. Donald Rosenberg. However, Eli is stricken with an idea, he asks Rosenberg if there is a chance of a thunderstorm that very day. Rosenberg reveals that they have a specialized weather sensing equipment that can predict when and where a lightning bolt might hit, and after the device predicts a lightning bolt will strike on one of the lampposts in Eli's neighborhood park at 2:51 AM, the group formulates a plan to kill all the zombies. During that same night, the thunderstorm starts to form, the group takes the initiative and prepare for the lightning bolt, connecting industrial wires to a firework pit, intended to be lit up so that the zombies are killed in the process. Eli drives across the street, firing a submachine gun to draw the zombies' attention and in the process, find out where Mandy is. The lightning strikes, killing all the zombies and freeing Mandy in the process. The next day, the Zombie Hunters are hailed as heroes, finally earning Eli the respect and admiration he desired.

## History

### Background

Eli Miller was born on April 15, 1969, to Marshall and Carole Miller. As a child, Eli was highly empathetic of others, and was also very sensitive. When he saw a child crying with a bruise on his knee while he was walking down the street with an ice cream, he gave the child his ice cream in spite of the shop having closed. Eli never had a close relationship with his father. Eli revealed to have caught his father cheating on Carole with another woman when he was 8. Despite Marshall's attempts to manipulate Eli into keeping his affair a secret, Eli told Carole anyway, causing her and Marshall to file for divorce.

After the court procedure, and after Eli choosing to stay with his mother, Marshall immediately left with the woman he had cheated on his wife with, this marked Eli for life, though Carole did her best to distract him from their divorce by taking him to the movies and playing board games. Despite her best efforts to introduce him to other kids, Eli was really shy, often turning back behind his mother around others.

In his first day of kindergarten, around 1974, Eli bumped into another boy named Dylan Denbrough in art class, Eli worked up his nerve and asked Dylan if he wanted to be his friend, to which Dylan happily agreed. Soon after, Eli realized Dylan was his next door neighbor. They both later befriended Mike Cohen and Taylor Austin. They would all listen to Elvis Presley continuously to death. The four kids would often gather to play *Dungeons & Dragons* in Eli's kitchen.

In September of 1981, Eli, Dylan, Mike and Taylor would attend Douglas Middle School, where everyone picked on them for various reasons, especially Troy Brolin, they would bully Eli for his use of glasses, Dylan for his spiky hair, Mike for his acne and Taylor for her love for Elvis Presley. Despite this, they would all continuously ace his grades and score higher than any other student. During Christmas break, on New Year, they would all reunite on a field to set off fireworks, however, one of the fireworks lost it's course and headed straight for Dylan, burning his Raiders of the lost ark shirt, one of his favorite movies and causing him to throw himself to the grass in order to take out the fire

### 1983

#### The Campaign and first encounter

During the evening of March 31st, Eli, Dylan, Mike and Taylor played *Dungeons & Dragons* in Eli's kitchen. In the middle of a campaign, the group ordered pizza, once it arrived, Eli heard a crashing sound from his backyard, once he went to check, he encountered a zombie, he screamed in horror and insisted his friends to come back and check, however, they dismissed his claims of ever seeing a zombie.

#### Beginning of the business

The next day after his encounter, he reunited with Dylan to shotgun soda cans at the nearby park, where they discussed Eli's idea of catching zombies as a business, likening it to getting cockroaches removed in order to prevent them from spreading out into the rest of the country. Despite Dylan's initial objections, he leaves the final word to his Magic 8 Ball, and after being responded with an affirmative statement, Dylan agrees to starting the business.

Using his garage as the main headquarters for the Zombie Hunting business, though Dylan had some experience with driving, he begged Eli to instead used their bikes. They manage to get a lot of stuff done in one day, such as airing a commercial on TV and manufacturing special equipment for their business. During their first business day, they are unexpectedly visited by Maddy Walsh, a very coveted girl in school after she claims to have been attacked by a zombie. Eli, infatuated, is quick to assisting her, much to Dylan's correct suspicions that he's in love with her. At her house, Eli and Maddy both find out that the zombie she encountered had left, and Eli unsuccessfully attempts to ask her out to the movies, claiming that his intentions were on a purely scientific basis.

Later that night, the Zombie Hunters gather around in Eli's kitchen to eat instant ramen, however, their dinner is interrupted when they received a call. The Zombie Exterminators are hired to remove a fat zombie from their middle school. Having failed to properly test their equipment, Eli and Dylan are wary of their makeshift net, but despite trouble, they successfully catch the zombie. In order to contain the undead, Eli chooses the warehouse his father left to his mother after they divorced to contain them. In order to assist with faster delivery of service, Dylan and Eli hire Dylan's pothead cousin Steve Thomas in order to cope with

Undead activity in the town increases rapidly and the Zombie Hunters become famous; they hire Mike and Taylor to cope with the growing demand. At the mall, Eli successfully asks Maddy out to prom. During the night, Dylan and Taylor drive to the local cemetery to figure out the source of their recent exploding in popularity. After realizing that no gravestone has been open, they warn Eli about their discovery. Eli raises suspicions about the Douglas National Laboratory and chooses to make a brief expedition towards the lab to see if it was the actual source of their recent jump in work. However, he discover that the lab was forbidden of any non—personnel visits.

Back at the headquarters, the Zombie Hunters are visited by Donald Rosenberg, who reveals that the reason for their growing demand is a rift between their dimension and an alternate dimension that has been spilling over to Douglas. The group chooses to return to the Douglas National Laboratory with Rosenberg's permission to enter. However, after a humanoid zombie named Dextroski, who was planning on sacrificing Maddy, eyes Eli at the other side of the rift, he sends a squad of zombies to kill him. After avoiding death with their zombie van, Eli manages to kill the zombies successfully. Eli later crossed his thoughts about his weapon's muzzle flash looking like a firework and they day's weather together, giving him the idea of harnessing lightning and sending the power down to a pit of fireworks to make them explode. He asked Rosenberg if they happened to have a weather sensing machine that predicted when and where exactly a lightning bolt would strike.

Back at the lab, the group acquired the coordinates for the most powerful lightning bolt strike, which landed precisely at a lamppost in Eli's neighborhood park. They figured a plane divided in three phases: **Phase One**: Rosenberg would shut the rift between their world and Zombie Hell, after which he would save Maddy as Steve drove off in the zombie van attracting the zombies. **Phase Two**: As Steve drove back up to the neighborhood, the rest would prepare for the zombies' arrival. **Phase Three**: Steve arrived as the zombies were lured into the firework pit, while Steve jumped onto a makeshift zipline to safety right before the lightning stroke, making the pit explode. However, after being told the plan, Steve disagreed with him having to risk his life against the zombies, Eli later chose to take Steve's place to lure the zombies into the pit.

#### Showdown with the Zombies

*Also see - **Douglas Thunderstorm of 1983***

On the night of April 17, Eli expressed major concern for not having told his friends and his mother many things he should have said, and later wrote letters "in the case things didn't work out." He later spoke to Carole, revealing his plan to kill the zombies, and thanking her for all the sacrifices she made for him in an emotional goodbye. Eli later came back out and asked Steve if he was ready, who jokingly replied that he was ready to die, and a few minutes later after Rosenberg confirmed that he finished activating the Portal Nexus Device, Eli sent Steve on his way.

After entering the park, Eli, Dylan, Taylor and Mike noticed that the clouds were approaching and closing in. After Eli claimed that the plan had been working out for now, a lightning bolt snapped the start of the zipline and down into the pit. Eli instructed Dylan to pull the cable back up once he tied it to the rope coil, once they managed to bring the zipline cable back up, they taped it back together. He later asked Steve for his status, who replied that he was five minutes away from the building. Even though he was uncertain of it working, Eli slipped down the zipline, successfully arriving at the eastern side of the pit. Eli suggested to the group to try and use junk such as roofing sheets, chain link fences and car hoods as barriers to push the zombies away from the humans and set their course straight to the pit. After arriving to his father's scrapyard, Eli clapped hands and sent the group to search for potentially useful items.

After bringing the lightning rod setup back together, Eli and Maddy were reunited with an embrace. However, their reunion was cut short after Steve declared that he had serious problems, and that the zombies were significantly more than he expected, and he hoped to arrive in about five minutes. The group set up their positions for the zombies' arrival. However, a gust of wind took a tree branch away and snapped the other end of the zipline, causing it to drop down to the end of the pit. Eli instructed Mike and Rosenberg to tape the zipline back together before Steve arrived. Mike gave Rosenberg the cable as the latter towed it back up, claiming that it was strong enough for a one way trip.

Despite his friends' concerns, Eli reassured them that whatever happened, the zombies would die. After being told that Steve had entered Pemberton street, with the help of Maddy, and after seeing the Zombie Van's headlines shining in the distance, the group returned to their positions once again. Eli lured the zombies into the ramp as Steve zoomed past the park, making a leap of faith onto the zipline and sliding over to safety as the lightning stroke and the fireworks exploded, killing all the zombies. After regaining his composure, Eli, Rosenberg and Mike drove back to the neighborhood park, where Eli and Maddy shared a kiss before Steve arrived in the van to let them inside.

Having successfully defeated the zombies, the Zombie Hunters suggested to the Oklahoma government to shut down Douglas National Laboratory. Despite losing his job, Rosenberg still managed to find a position at Harvard University as a theoretical physics professor.

#### Summer Prom of 1983

During the night of June 15, Eli got dressed up for prom, where Carole claimed he looked handsome, before changing subject and asking if the business was still active. Eli replied by saying that it was still active in the case of any emergencies. Eli and Dylan rode to Douglas Middle School, where an anxious Dylan expressed his concerns about being rejected to dance, where Eli comforted him and pointed out his strengths before pedaling past the park, being reconstructed back to normal.

After arriving at the prom, Eli explained how Dylan had it easier because of his extroverted nature before fans turned towards the two and asked for autographs. After getting their tickets to the Prom, they were met by Mike and Taylor, who took off here beanie to reveal her well done hair inspired by a blonde singer who was also named Taylor. The boys were wowed, and after a romantic song was put on playback, Dylan, with his heart on his throat, asked Taylor out to the dancing floor, where she happily agreed. Mike was later invited onto the dance by a girl, and with persuasion from Eli's part, Mike accepted and was taken into the dancing floor, leaving Eli all alone.

After seeing how Dylan wrapped his arms around Taylor's waist, Eli falsely comforted himself, auto-assuring that Maddy would eventually arrive. He took a deep breath and sat down, clasping his thumbs. However, he got fed up and left to the fruit punch station, where he was met by Troy, who as a token of apology, returned the 20 dollars he had stolen from Eli earlier in April. Eli expressed his emotions by stating that her partner hadn't arrived, Troy comforted him, assuring him that she would arrive, and to a skeptical Eli, he said that heroes don't deserve to be criticized, but to be rewarded. Eli forced a smile and left the fruit punch station.

However, Eli still sat at the table as he watched how his friends had their partners. He later drank all of his punch in one go with sadness and anger. He later stood up and left to the bleachers where he bought a coke from a vending machine, shotgunning it alone. Back at the table, Dylan noticed Eli's mood and together with Taylor, shotgunned soda together in order to cheer him up. After winning, Eli rapidly stood up to find Maddy entering the Prom dance, where Dylan and Taylor left, wishing him good luck. Maddy and Eli locked eyes and waled into the dance floor where they shared their first kiss.

## Personality and Traits

Eli's intellectual prowess is a defining aspect of his character. From an early age, he displayed a keen mind, consistently outperforming his peers in academic pursuits. His exceptional scores in school reflect not only raw intelligence but also a dedication to learning and a commitment to academic excellence. Eli's intellectual curiosity becomes a guiding force in his life, shaping his perspectives and influencing the choices he makes. The challenges of his parents' divorce at a young age could have left lasting emotional scars, but Eli's resilience shines through. Witnessing his father's infidelity was undoubtedly a difficult experience, yet Eli's decision to share the truth with his mother showcases moral integrity and emotional strength. Choosing to live with his mother and building a successful life post-divorce demonstrates a resilience that goes beyond mere academic achievements.

Eli's leadership skills come to the forefront when he takes charge during a fictional zombie apocalypse, founding the "Zombie Hunters" group. His entrepreneurial spirit is evident as he transforms a dire situation into an opportunity for action and organization, creating a business to address the zombie threat. The ability to make decisions under pressure and adapt to challenging circumstances highlights Eli's capacity for effective leadership. Eli's childhood friendship with Dylan Denbrough, dating back to their first day of kindergarten, is marked by loyalty and mutual support. The deep connections he maintains with friends Mike Cohen and Taylor Austin further underscore his commitment to meaningful relationships. The camaraderie among the group, strengthened by shared interests like listening to Elvis Presley and playing Dungeons & Dragons, speaks to Eli's ability to nurture and sustain friendships.

In the face of a zombie apocalypse, Eli's resourcefulness becomes a crucial asset. Establishing the "Zombie Hunters" business reflects a proactive and solution-oriented approach. Eli's sense of responsibility extends beyond the zombie threat to his mother's financial well-being, showcasing a mature and caring nature. The combination of resourcefulness and responsibility contributes to Eli's role as a pragmatic and thoughtful character. Despite his strengths, Eli grapples with a tendency to overthink situations, as seen in his dramatic projections about loneliness and depression. His possessiveness, particularly regarding the "Zombie Hunters" business, hints at a need for control that could strain interpersonal dynamics and pose challenges in collaborative efforts. Eli emerges as a very sensitive individual, attuned to his emotions and those of others. This sensitivity adds a layer of depth to his character, allowing him to connect with people on an emotional level. The frequent touchpoints with his emotions contribute to Eli's empathetic nature, influencing his interactions and decision-making.

Eli's decision to confront zombies head-on and devise a plan involving lightning and fireworks showcases remarkable courage and determination. He demonstrates a willingness to take risks for the greater good, emphasizing his commitment to protecting others and facing challenges with resilience. Eli's bravery in the face of a supernatural threat reflects a heroic aspect of his character. Eli's romantic interest in Maddy adds a romantic subplot to his character, revealing aspects of his vulnerability and emotional depth. Navigating relationships with friends and romantic interests provides insight into Eli's social dynamics, highlighting his interpersonal skills and ability to connect with others on a personal level.

The complexities of romance add a layer of realism to Eli's character, showcasing his growth in both personal and social spheres. Eli's moments of reflection, such as writing letters and expressing gratitude to his mother, contribute to his character's growth. Introspective moments reveal a depth of thought and self-awareness, indicating that Eli is not just a product of his circumstances but an evolving individual with a capacity for personal development. The emotional and psychological aspects of Eli's journey provide a nuanced portrayal, making him a multidimensional character shaped by both triumphs and tribulations.

## Abilities

### High Intelligence:

* Eli consistently achieves high scores in academic pursuits, showcasing a profound understanding of various subjects. His intelligence is not merely rote memorization but involves critical thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to analyze complex situations. Eli's keen intellect is driven by curiosity and a genuine interest in learning, leading him to explore diverse topics.

### Leadership Skills:

* Eli's leadership is characterized by confident decision-making, especially in challenging situations like the zombie apocalypse. He effectively organizes the "Zombie Hunters" group, utilizing resources and assigning roles to maximize efficiency. Eli's leadership style includes motivating his friends, fostering a sense of purpose, and instilling confidence in the group's abilities.

### Resilience and Emotional Strength:

* Despite the challenges of his parents' divorce, Eli engages in open communication, sharing his feelings with his mother and friends. Eli's ability to adapt to changing family dynamics and thrive despite adversity reflects emotional resilience. Instead of succumbing to the emotional turmoil, Eli employs positive coping mechanisms, such as focusing on academics and building a successful life.

### Friendship and Interpersonal Skills:

* Eli's enduring friendship with Dylan and the group is a testament to his loyalty and commitment to meaningful relationships. He exhibits empathy, understanding the emotional needs of his friends and providing support during difficult times. Eli's ability to communicate effectively contributes to the cohesion of the group, fostering a sense of camaraderie.

### Resourcefulness:

* Eli's resourcefulness is evident in his entrepreneurial vision during the zombie apocalypse, establishing the "Zombie Hunters" business. He makes efficient use of available resources, such as using his garage as the main headquarters and utilizing bicycles for transportation. Eli engages in strategic planning, leveraging the group's skills and resources to address the undead threat effectively.

### Romantic Interest and Social Dynamics:

* Eli's ability to navigate romantic interests demonstrates emotional intelligence, understanding and responding to the emotions of himself and others. His communication skills extend to romantic relationships, fostering understanding and connection. Eli showcases adaptability in social settings, navigating the dynamics of prom night and interacting positively with peers.

### Courage and Determination:

* Eli's courage is exemplified by his willingness to face supernatural threats, such as zombies, head-on. He takes calculated risks, such as devising a plan involving lightning and fireworks, demonstrating determination to protect others. Even in challenging situations, Eli maintains composure, instilling confidence in his friends and leading by example.

### Communication Skills:

* Eli communicates with clarity and precision, ensuring that his messages are easily understood by his friends and peers. His communication style involves active listening, understanding the perspectives of others and fostering a collaborative atmosphere. Eli's ability to negotiate, whether convincing friends to join the "Zombie Hunters" or persuading Maddy to participate, showcases effective communication.

### Problem-Solving:

* Eli employs analytical thinking, breaking down complex challenges into manageable components for effective problem-solving. His problem-solving extends to innovative solutions, such as harnessing lightning and fireworks to combat zombies. Eli encourages a collaborative approach to problem-solving, leveraging the strengths of his friends to address challenges collectively.

### Reflective Thinking and Growth:

* Eli engages in self-reflection, contemplating his thoughts, emotions, and personal growth throughout the narrative. Expressing gratitude to his mother showcases a level of emotional maturity and an understanding of the sacrifices made for his well-being. Eli's reflective nature contributes to his personal growth, allowing him to learn from experiences, both positive and challenging.

## Relationships

### Familial

**Carole Miller**

Eli Miller's relationship with his mother, Carole Miller, is a tapestry woven with threads of resilience, open communication, and profound emotional connection. The backdrop of his parents' divorce and the revelation of his father's infidelity could have left lasting scars, yet Eli's decision to live with his mother after the tumultuous court proceedings reflects not only emotional resilience but a deliberate choice to build a life rooted in shared experiences and mutual support. Their communication is marked by transparency, as Eli, at a young age, reveals the truth about his father's affair, fostering a foundation of trust and understanding. The intricacies of their relationship shine through in moments of gratitude, with Eli expressing profound thanks for the sacrifices Carole made for him, acknowledging her pivotal role in shaping his life. Carole emerges not only as a supportive figure but as a beacon of strength during turbulent times. The emotional goodbye before the zombie showdown underscores the depth of their bond, with Eli baring his sentiments and love for his mother. Carole's influence is woven into the fabric of Eli's character, contributing to his determination, resilience, and capacity for emotional connection. Their relationship, a source of solace and understanding, adds layers to Eli's narrative, creating a dynamic and emotionally resonant portrayal of familial ties.

**Marshall Miller**

Eli Miller's relationship with his father, Marshall Miller, is characterized by the shadows of betrayal, divorce, and the consequential emotional aftermath. The revelation of his father's infidelity at a young age becomes a pivotal moment, introducing a fracture in their familial dynamics. Marshall's attempts to manipulate Eli into keeping the affair a secret foreshadow a breach of trust, leading to the divorce between Marshall and Carole. The aftermath of the divorce includes Marshall leaving with the woman he had cheated on Carole with, emphasizing the emotional toll on the family structure. While specific details about ongoing interactions with his father may not be explicitly mentioned, the narrative suggests that the impact of the infidelity and divorce leaves an indelible mark on Eli. The absence of his father and the emotional complexities stemming from the betrayal contribute to Eli's journey of resilience and growth.

### Non-Familial

**Dylan Denbrough**

Dylan's relationship with Eli is an enduring bond forged in the crucible of childhood friendship, marked by shared experiences, trust, and mutual support. Their connection traces back to their first day of kindergarten in 1973, where a chance encounter led to the formation of a friendship that withstood the test of time. The fact that they also turned out to be next-door neighbors added a layer of closeness to their relationship. Together with Mike Cohen and Taylor Austin, they formed a tight-knit group, sharing a love for music, particularly Elvis Presley, and engaging in imaginative play such as Dungeons & Dragons. Dylan's extroverted nature complements Eli's initial shyness, creating a dynamic and balanced friendship. As the narrative progresses, Dylan emerges as more than just a friend but a pillar of support for Eli, especially during the challenges presented by the zombie apocalypse. Their camaraderie is evident in moments of decision-making, with Dylan's trust in Eli's leadership shining through, as seen in the formation of the "Zombie Hunters" group. The emotional fabric of their friendship is woven into the narrative, depicting a relationship built on loyalty, shared history, and a deep understanding that transcends the trials they face, be it the pressures of adolescence or the supernatural threats of a zombie apocalypse.

**Maddy Walsh**

Eli's relationship with Maddy Walsh introduces a dynamic layer of romantic interest and youthful infatuation to his life. Maddy, a coveted figure in school, becomes more than just a subject of admiration for Eli when she claims to have been attacked by a zombie, leading to their initial interaction. Eli's swift and enthusiastic response to assist her showcases not only his empathy but also hints at an underlying affection. Despite his seemingly scientific approach to asking Maddy out to the movies, it's evident that Eli's intentions carry a layer of personal interest. As their interactions progress, Maddy becomes more than a client for the "Zombie Hunters"; she becomes a romantic interest. Eli's infatuation is palpable, leading to moments of vulnerability and awkwardness, such as his unsuccessful attempt to ask her out to the movies. Their relationship, while budding in the face of a zombie apocalypse, adds a romantic subplot to Eli's narrative, offering moments of teenage excitement and the complexities of navigating feelings amid extraordinary circumstances. Maddy, in turn, becomes a key figure not only in the group's adventures but in Eli's personal journey, contributing to the multifaceted nature of his character development.

**Taylor Austin**

Taylor's role in Eli's life is intertwined with their shared childhood experiences and the bonds forged in the camaraderie of their close-knit group, which also includes Dylan Denbrough and Mike Cohen. From their first day of kindergarten in 1973, Taylor and Eli, along with their friends, embarked on a journey of friendship marked by shared interests and a strong sense of support. Their connection deepened through their love for Elvis Presley, a shared passion that became a cornerstone of their relationship. The fact that Taylor was willing to reveal a well-done hairstyle, inspired by a blonde singer named Taylor, during the prom night highlights a sense of openness and trust in their friendship. As part of the "Zombie Hunters" group, Taylor contributes to the team's efforts during the zombie apocalypse, showcasing not only her loyalty but also her willingness to actively engage in their shared endeavors. While the specific nature of Eli and Taylor's relationship is not explicitly detailed, their bond reflects the strength of childhood friendships enduring into adolescence, encompassing shared memories, trust, and mutual support.

**Mike Cohen**

Mike Cohen occupies a significant place in Eli Miller's life as a close friend and a key member of their tight-knit group, which also includes Dylan Denbrough and Taylor Austin. Their friendship dates back to their first day of kindergarten in 1973, and they've shared various experiences, including their love for Elvis Presley and engaging in imaginative play like Dungeons & Dragons. As a friend, Mike provides companionship, support, and a shared history that forms the foundation of their relationship. His role expands during the zombie apocalypse, where he becomes an integral part of the "Zombie Hunters" group. Mike's acceptance of Eli's invitation to join the group during their first business day demonstrates not only loyalty but also a willingness to actively contribute to their collective efforts. The dynamics of Eli and Mike's friendship contribute to the overall camaraderie within the group, offering moments of shared laughter, challenges, and the strength that comes from enduring friendships that transcend the ordinary and face extraordinary circumstances together.

**Steve Thomas**

Steve Thomas, Dylan Denbrough's pothead cousin, becomes an unexpected but vital addition to Eli Miller's life during the zombie apocalypse. Initially hired to assist with the growing demand for the "Zombie Hunters" group, Steve adds a distinctive flavor to the dynamics with his unconventional personality and relaxed attitude. Despite his initial reservations about the seriousness of the zombie threat, Steve's role becomes crucial during critical moments. His involvement in the showdown with zombies, particularly his disagreement with Eli over risking his life, adds a layer of tension and ethical considerations to the narrative. Steve's decision to let Eli take his place in luring zombies into the firework pit speaks to a sense of responsibility and a desire to protect his cousin. While the specifics of their relationship may not be extensively explored, Steve's presence introduces an element of unpredictability, humor, and, ultimately, a moment of sacrifice that shapes the resolution of the narrative.

**Donald Rosenberg**

Donald Rosenberg, introduced as a character with insights into the supernatural events surrounding the zombie apocalypse, plays a pivotal role in Eli Miller's narrative. As a figure knowledgeable about the dimensional rift and the influx of zombies, Rosenberg becomes an ally and guide for the "Zombie Hunters" group. His revelation regarding the dimensional rift between their world and "Zombie Hell" serves as a catalyst for the group's journey into the Douglas National Laboratory. Rosenberg's expertise in theoretical physics positions him as a valuable asset, offering explanations and solutions to the otherworldly challenges faced by Eli and his friends. Despite the risks involved, Rosenberg grants the group permission to enter the laboratory and, in doing so, becomes a facilitator of their quest to confront the supernatural threat. His transition from an informant to a collaborator underscores the importance of alliances formed under extraordinary circumstances, and Rosenberg's role adds an element of mystery, guidance, and crucial information to Eli's journey.

## Family tree

* Marshall Miller - Carole Miller

Eli Miller

## Behind the Scenes

### Character Development

Originally, Eli's character was supposed to be more clumsy. In the first draft of the movie's script, he lived in a brotherhood house with Dylan, where he faced frequent ridicule by his peers due to his lack of a job, clumsiness and lack of coordination.

He was not a dork, but rather a normal person who faced criticism, and he was more cowardly than his final incarnation.

## References

1. ↑  Eli's surname was revealed through an instagram post by Nicolas AVO's instagram
2. ↑ Eli's birthdate was revealed through a Twitter post
3. ↑ Marshall's name was revealed in Nicolas AVO's twitter post
4. ↑ Part of his backtory in the 70s
5. ↑ The very first draft of Zombies Vs. Idiots