World War Z really is a curious beast of a movie. Based upon an exceptional book, it then discarded almost the entire structure, premise, and most of the scenes in that book to create something that… well, wasn’t really World War Z.
It was also rewritten, re-cut, and re-shot several times, including an entirely new ending being crafted in some kind of panic.
Propelled by brand recognition from the best-selling novel, Brad Pitt in the lead, and some highly trailer-worthy scenes, World War Z overcame itself and its struggles to pull in $540 million. In the process, it became the highest-grossing zombie film of all time.
For years, a sequel has been discussed. At one point, David Fincher was circling the project as director. Now it looks as if things are moving and the 2013 film will finally get that sequel.
All Quiet on the Western Front and Conclave helmer Edward Berger has signed on to direct. A script has been completed by Dennis Kelly. Berger recently worked with Pitt on The Riders for A24.
Pitt will produce the sequel alongside Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner, and return as the lead.
Pitt has David Ayer’s survival thriller Heart of the Beast opening in cinemas next Friday, then David Fincher’s The Further Mis-Adventures of Cliff Booth in November.
A report in Variety says no plot specifics are known at this time, but there are a large number of completely unused scenes from Max Brooks original novel that can be mined.
