‘World War Z’ Sequel Back on With Brad Pitt Returning, Edward Berger Directing

Paramount Pictures is moving forward with a sequel to "World War Z," with Brad Pitt set to star and Edward Berger to direct, according to TheWrap. The film marks Pitt's return to the "World War Z" franchise following the 2013 blockbuster, which earned over $540 million worldwide and is currently the highest-grossing zombie film.

British playwright and screenwriter Dennis Kelly will write the script. Plot details remain undisclosed. "World War Z" is based on Max Brooks' 2006 novel of the same name. After years of attempts, Paramount finally secured the project, with a script already completed prior to director Marc Forster taking the helm. David Fincher and J. A. Bayona, known for "The Impossible," had also been linked to the sequel at various points.

However, behind-the-scenes struggles, including late involvement of script doctors Damon Lindelof and Drew Goddard, ultimately halted production. In 2019, a source revealed that China's ban on zombie films was the main reason for the sequel's cancellation, despite a $200 million budget. Pitt, alongside Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner, will produce the film through Plan B Entertainment, with Berger also serving as executive producer.

This marks a continued partnership between Pitt and Berger, following their collaboration on "The Riders," currently in post-production at A24. Upcoming projects for Pitt include "Heart of the Beast" directed by David Ayer and "The Further Mis-Adventures of Cliff Booth." Berger is represented by CAA, Range, Casarotto Ramsay & Associates, and Hanson Jacobson, while Pitt is represented by CAA and Brillstein Entertainment Partners.