You know that feeling when you're watching a Disney movie and the tension is so thick you could cut it with a chainsaw? That was basically every scene between Nova and Victor in Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires. Everyone was waiting for it. The buildup was massive. And yet, if you’ve scrolled through TikTok lately, you’ve probably seen the absolute chaos regarding the Freya Skye and Malachi Barton kiss—or, more accurately, the lack thereof.
Honestly, the internet has a way of turning a missed moment into a full-blown conspiracy. Fans have been dissecting every frame of their duet "Dream Come True," looking for a spark that confirms they’re "endgame" in real life. But what’s actually true? Did Disney cut a scene? Are they dating behind the scenes? Let's dive into the reality of what happened on that New Zealand set.
The Zombies 4 Chemistry: Why Fans Expected a Kiss
When Freya Skye joined the cast as Nova, a radiant Daywalker, and Malachi Barton stepped in as the brooding vampire Victor, the "forbidden love" trope was turned up to eleven. It’s a classic formula. You’ve got two people from warring factions who shouldn’t even be talking, let alone singing romantic ballads together.
The chemistry between Freya and Malachi was instant. Even during their chemistry reads—which Freya mentioned in interviews were key to building their bond—it was clear they had a natural vibe. In the film, their characters share "visions" of each other, suggesting a supernatural soulmate connection.
So, why didn't we see the Freya Skye and Malachi Barton kiss on screen?
- Character Age: Both Freya and Malachi are playing younger teens in a franchise that historically keeps romance very "G-rated" and innocent.
- The "Slow Burn" Strategy: Disney loves a slow burn. Look at Zed and Addison; their romance evolved over four movies. Jumping straight to a big kiss in the first film for these characters might have felt rushed.
- The Narrative Focus: The movie was really about the rivalry between the Daywalkers and Vampires. Nova and Victor were the bridge, and their emotional connection mattered more than a physical moment.
Real Life vs. Reel Life: Are They Dating?
The rumor mill started churning the second the Worlds Collide Tour kicked off in 2025. Fans caught videos of them being "romantic" or "extra close" during rehearsals. One specific YouTube video titled "Malachi Barton and Freya Skye Being Romantic moments they are in love irl I swear" has racked up hundreds of thousands of views.
But here’s the thing: they are professionals. Freya has been in the spotlight since her Junior Eurovision days, and Malachi is a Disney veteran from Stuck in the Middle. They know how to sell a story.
When you spend months filming in New Zealand and then go on a massive arena tour across North America, you're going to get close. They’ve recorded "Snow Angels" together and appeared in "Thought Streams" videos where they basically finish each other's sentences. It’s cute, sure. But is it "dating"? Most evidence points to a very tight-knit "best friend" dynamic that makes for great TV.
The "Snow Angels" Music Video Clues
If you want to see where the Freya Skye and Malachi Barton kiss rumors actually get some fuel, you have to watch the "Snow Angels" music video released in late 2025. It’s a holiday-themed duet that leans heavily into their "Nova and Victor" personas.
There are several moments where they are inches apart, laughing in the "snow" (which we know from BTS footage is just foam and lighting). It’s designed to make the fandom melt. However, even in this romantic setting, there is no kiss. It’s all about the almost moment.
Why the "Missing Kiss" Matters to the Fandom
In the world of Disney Channel stanning, a kiss is a rite of passage. It signifies that these characters are the new faces of the franchise. By withholding it, Disney has actually kept the conversation alive longer than if they had just given in.
People are still arguing in YouTube comments about whether a scene was filmed and deleted. Some fans claim to have seen "leaked" footage from the New Zealand production, but let's be real: most of those are just cleverly edited fan-mades using high-speed transitions and filters.
What the Stars Themselves Have Said
In an interview with BroadwayWorld, Malachi admitted that stepping into a musical was "unreal" and the prep was intense. Freya echoed this, saying they spent a lot of time focusing specifically on the relationship between Victor and Nova.
"It was a really nice time for us as well to get to spend a couple of days filming together and focus on Victor and Nova's relationship," Freya shared.
Notice she didn't say "and our romantic feelings for each other." They are very careful to keep the focus on the work.
What's Next for Nova and Victor?
The story isn't over. With the announcement of the Locker Diaries: Zombies spinoff and rumors of Zombies 5 already swirling for 2027, there is plenty of room for this relationship to grow.
Malachi has been busy filming Camp Rock 3 and Coven Academy, but his connection to the Zombies universe is clearly a priority. Freya, meanwhile, is expanding her music career under Hollywood Records and even snagged a recurring role in Wizards Beyond Waverly Place.
If you're looking for that Freya Skye and Malachi Barton kiss, you might have to wait for the next chapter of the saga. For now, we have the "Dream Come True" live performances from the tour to keep the "shipping" alive.
How to Keep Up With the Cast
If you want to stay on top of the actual facts and avoid the "fake news" edits, follow these steps:
- Watch the BTS Specials: The "Snow Angels" behind-the-scenes video on Disney Channel Music is the best place to see their actual dynamic without the movie filters.
- Follow the Official Accounts: Malachi and Freya are both active on Instagram, but they rarely post anything that isn't work-related or "bestie" vibes.
- Check the Credits: Keep an eye on the production team for the upcoming Locker Diaries—this is where we'll likely see the next evolution of Nova and Victor.
The "kiss" might be the Holy Grail for fans, but the friendship between these two rising stars is what actually makes the franchise work. Whether they ever lock lips on screen or not, their chemistry has already cemented them as the next generation of Disney royalty.