Although a massive box office hit, the 2013 zombie epic WORLD WAR Z, which starred Brad Pitt and was loosely based on the novel by Max Brooks, wasn't exactly warmly embraced by the horror community. Because of this, there probably aren't many who mind that the sequel Brad Pitt, Paramount Pictures, and Skydance Productions have been plotting isn't coming together very quickly. Steven Knight and Dennis Kelly have each written drafts of the script, THE ORPHANAGE director J.A. Bayona signed on to helm the film (replacing the first movie's director Marc Forster), then departed the delayed project to direct the sequel to JURASSIC WORLD instead. It doesn't look like WORLD WAR Z 2 (not the official title) is going to make its announced June 9, 2017 release date. If it doesn't, will you be bothered?
The sequel may not make that date, but there has been an unexpected development that could even have viewers who didn't like WORLD WAR Z saying "All is forgiven" and eagerly looking forward to its follow-up.
In the search for a director to take over the position that Bayona vacated, Pitt has reached out to an old friend – fan favorite filmmaker David Fincher, who Pitt worked with on SEVEN, FIGHT CLUB, THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON, and an adaptation of 20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA that was ultimately abandoned.
When Pitt first approached Fincher about the idea of helming the zombie sequel, Fincher's response was apparently lukewarm. But the talks have been going on for a couple weeks now, negotiations are being made, and the gig hasn't been offered to any other directors. David Fincher may indeed end up directing WORLD WAR Z 2.
I'm up for a sequel regardless, but the thought of Ficher directing it is mind-blowing to me and I really want to see that possibility become a reality.