Brad Pitt is officially returning to star in the long-gestating sequel to 2013’s global zombie action film “World War Z” at Paramount Pictures.
In addition, “All Quiet on the Western Front” and “Conclave” helmer Edward Berger has signed on to direct from a script by Dennis Kelly. Berger recently directed Pitt in “The Riders” for A24, which wrapped earlier this year.
Plot specifics are under wraps but will presumably use material from Max Brooks’ bestselling 2006 novel upon which the first was fairly loosely based. Pitt will produce the sequel alongside Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner.
The original film was a commercial success, pulling in $540 million to become the highest-grossing zombie film of all time. It also had production issues which led to a reshot third act and a fairly costly budget said to be well over $200 million.
A sequel was announced shortly after, but after several years of stalled development (including David Fincher considering directing it), it was officially shelved over budgetary concerns and China’s ban on zombie films.
Then earlier this year at CinemaCon, Paramount announced that a sequel was again in the works – no director, writer or cast were revealed at the time, and no dates set.
Pitt is currently out promoting David Ayer’s survival thriller “Heart of the Beast” opening in cinemas next Friday and has David Fincher’s “The Further Mis-Adventures of Cliff Booth” hitting screens in November.
Source: Variety
