Killing a zombie is difficult, and apparently, killing a zombie sequel is even harder. Thirteen years after Brad Pitt starred in the hit zombie adaptation World War Z, the star has finally signed on to make a sequel along with Conclave director Edward Berger. According to Paramount Pictures, plot details are under wraps, but the script will feature the writing talents of Dennis Kelly, known for his work on Black Sea.
This sequel has been a long time coming. Shortly after the first World War Z, based on the acclaimed 2006 novel by Max Brooks, grossed over $500 million at the global box office, discussions of a follow-up began. JA Bayona was initially involved as far back as 2013, aiming for a 2017 release date. Unfortunately, that timeline didn’t pan out. A few years later, Brad Pitt was eager to collaborate again with David Fincher, his Fight Club director, to bring the sequel to life. Despite making significant progress, budget constraints ultimately halted that vision. In the decade that followed, news about the sequel grew scarce, but with Paramount now experiencing new leadership at the helm, the project has been reinvigorated as a priority. A classic piece of IP that could be resurrected.
Pitt has been busy with Paramount lately, starring in their upcoming release Heart of the Beast. Additionally, he recently wrapped filming on an A24 movie titled The Riders, directed by Edward Berger. According to reports, the pair discussed World War Z extensively during production, culminating in Berger’s readiness to helm the sequel. Following lengthy discussions, both Pitt’s and Berger’s deals were finalized, paving the way for this exciting announcement.
Speculation about the sequel’s plot is bound to run wild. The original film concluded with Gerry, played by Pitt, reuniting with his family as a vaccine for the zombie outbreak was discovered. Perhaps the sequel will explore humanity’s battle to reclaim the world from the clutches of zombies and attempt to revert the undead back to living beings—an angle rarely, if ever, explored in the zombie genre.
Although a definitive timeline for the film’s release has not been announced, the involvement of key players like Pitt and Berger signals a positive development. For the first time in over a decade, this sequel feels closer to becoming a reality. If Brad Pitt is pushing to make it happen, then it’s a prospect many of us are eager to see come to fruition.
Stay tuned to BlueBoxNERD to get the latest updates from the world of nerd culture, including more exciting updates on World War Z and other upcoming sci-fi and fantasy projects.
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