Will WORLD WAR Z 2 be a completely different monster from the first movie? That could be the takeaway based on this interesting statement from the sequel’s screenwriter Steven Knight (EASTERN PROMISES, LOCKE).
In an interview with Thompson on Hollywood, the Oscar-nominated scribe explains why he took the gig and how it differs from Marc Forster’s original:
“I thought, ‘why not? What fun.’ It’s not quite like the other, we’re starting with clean slate. When they’ve signed off we’re on.”
To me, “clean slate” indicates we won’t be picking up with Brad Pitt’s character, who at the end of the first film was happily reunited with his family after his long, arduous search for a zombie cure. But does it really make sense to make another WORLD WAR Z without Pitt front and center? (His production company, Plan B, will still produce.)
The article also notes that the film is “set to shoot in October for 2016 release.” J.A. Bayona (THE ORPHANAGE) is directing.