Paramount's World War Z sequel is officially moving forward, with star Brad Pitt confirmed to return and Edward Berger, director of "Conclave," attached to helm the project. These significant updates for the post-apocalyptic zombie follow-up were reported by Deadline, which stated that all deals are now closed.
Pitt's Plan B Entertainment will produce the film, with Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner also involved. Berger is also set to serve as an executive producer. Dennis Kelly, known for creating the TV series "Utopia" and writing "Together" (2021), is on board to pen the script for the sequel. However, the project appears to be in its early stages, as no further details regarding the plot, release date, or additional casting have been revealed.
The World War Z intellectual property is being revisited 13 years after the original film, a live-action adaptation of Max Brooks' novel, was released. Pitt starred in the first movie and had expressed interest in returning to the franchise for years. However, getting a sequel off the ground has proven challenging. Previous potential directors have been attached, and at one point, David Fincher was rumored to be involved, even comparing his ideas for a take on the story to "The Last of Us." Ultimately, that version of World War Z never materialized.
Berger gained attention for his 2024 film "Conclave," but he also directed the critically acclaimed 2022 war film "All Quiet on the Western Front" and 2014's "Jack." He is also reportedly involved with a new Jason Bourne movie starring Matt Damon, though the status of that project is unclear.
Pitt and Berger recently collaborated on "The Riders," during which Pitt reportedly pitched the idea of further World War Z installments to Berger. By the end of their work on that project, both were reportedly ready to pursue the sequel.
While the sequel currently has no release date, its progression suggests more information may be forthcoming. The original "World War Z" earned $540 million at the box office and received a 7.6/10 review from IGN. The developers behind the "World War Z" video game have also suggested they may feel partially responsible for the sequel's potential existence.