Brad Pitt returns: World War Z sequel officially moves forward with Edward Berger directing
Paramount has closed deals for Brad Pitt to return as Gerry Lane and for Edward Berger to direct the long-delayed World War Z sequel, with Dennis Kelly writing the screenplay.
The zombie sequel that spent more than a decade in development hell is finally back from the dead. Paramount Pictures has closed deals for Brad Pitt to reprise his role as Gerry Lane and for Edward Berger — the director of All Quiet on the Western Front and Conclave — to direct the long-awaited World War Z sequel, Deadline reported (Polygon).
Pitt will also produce through his Plan B Entertainment banner alongside Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner, with Berger executive-producing. Dennis Kelly, the creator of Utopia and co-writer of Matilda: The Musical, will write the screenplay (411 Mania).
The project reunites Pitt and Berger quickly: the actor reportedly began pitching the director on the sequel early during filming of A24’s The Riders, which wrapped earlier this year, and Berger was on board by the end of that production (Nerdist).
The original World War Z (2013), directed by Marc Forster and very loosely based on Max Brooks’ 2006 novel World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War, earned more than $540 million worldwide. A sequel with David Fincher attached famously fell apart over budget issues in 2019, after which the project went dormant. No plot details, release date, or supporting cast have been announced (Tech News Vision).
Sources
- Polygon: 13 Years Later, Brad Pitt is Officially Back for Sequel to His 2013 Zombie Apocalypse Hit — polygon.com
- Nerdist: Brad Pitt Returning for WORLD WAR Z 2 — nerdist.com
- ComicBook.com: World War Z Sequel Officially Happening After 13 Years — comicbook.com
- 411 Mania: Brad Pitt Reportedly Returning for World War Z Sequel — 411mania.com
- Tech News Vision: World War Z Sequel Confirms Brad Pitt Return and Edward Berger as Director — technewsvision.co.uk
More on this topic: all Celebrity stories
