World War Z 2 Gets David Fincher To Direct, Brad Pitt To Star

Looks like World War Z is finally getting its sequel. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Paramount Pictures’ new studio chief Jim Gianopulos revealed that World War Z 2 is in “advanced development.” He also confirmed David Fincher as the director, with Brad Pitt returning in the lead role. This is huge news for “World War Z” fans, who have been waiting on the sequel for four years now.

Based off the book by Matt Carnahan and J. Michael Straczynski, World War Z hit theaters in 2013. Ironically, the film deviated widely from its source material and was virtually unrecognizable from the book, apart from the zombies. Still, that didn’t stop the movie from becoming a worldwide hit. Soon, Paramount Pictures announced that a sequel was in the works. However, various problems such as scheduling conflicts prevented World War Z 2 from going into production. The project seemed to be indefinitely on ice. That is, until now.

Brad Pitt and Daniella Kertesz in World War Z (2013). Photo by Jaap Buitendijk via Paramount Pictures.

World War Z 2 Signs On David Fincher

Rumors of David Fincher being in talks to helm “World War Z 2” have been circling for months. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Brad Pitt met Fincher as early as August 2016 to court him for the project. However, it’s only been now that Fincher has been officially confirmed as the director. Fincher previously directed such films as “Fight Club” and “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.” In both films, he also worked with Pitt in one of the leading characters. The World War Z sequel marks their fourth film together. Hopefully, it brings them similar success.

David Fincher in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008). Photo via iMDb

Brad Pitt Returns As Investigator Gerry Lane

Gianopulos also confirmed that Brad Pitt would resume his role as United Nations investigator Gerry Lane. Normally, Pitt isn’t one for sequels, so the fact that he signed on for World War Z 2 is encouraging to fans of the original film. In the first film, Pitt’s character must use his experience fighting through dangerous war zones to protect himself and his family from a deadly zombie outbreak. The film ended with Lane declaring that the war has only just begun. Presumably, the sequel will deliver on Lane’s ominous statement and see Pitt’s character continue the war against zombies.

Brad Pitt, Pierfrancesco Favino, and Daniella Kertesz in World War Z (2013). Photo by Jaap Buitendijk via Paramount Pictures.

Problems Plaguing The World War Z Sequel

While Paramount just confirmed David Fincher as World War Z 2’s director, he isn’t the first to helm the project. That title belongs to Juan Antonio Bayona, who made the deal with Paramount in December 2013. With Bayona directing, Paramount set the sequel’s release date for June 2017. Unfortunately, Bayona at the time also had his hands full with filming “A Monster Calls,” which would not allow him to meet Paramount’s set release date. He dropped World War Z 2 because of scheduling conflicts in January 2016.

However, an exclusive by Deadline at the time also noted that the timing of Bayona’s exit freed him up to direct the “Jurassic World” sequel. Which further explains the scheduling conflicts that prevented him from fully committing to World War Z 2. Several months later, rumors arose that Paramount was considering David Fincher. However, Paramount only reached an agreement with Fincher this year, finally confirming him as director.