Even though the zombie hit has been out in theatres for over ten years, Brad Pitt is making a triumphant return to the franchise with World War Z 2. Hollywood has failed miserably at reviving the franchise, but Paramount has enlisted the help of Edward Berger, director of Conclave, to make a sequel.
Pitt is expected to return to star and produce through Plan B Entertainment, while the screenplay is being written by Dennis Kelly, who has formerly worked on Matilda the Musical. Plot details and a release date remain unknown.
World War Z 2 has spent years as one of Hollywood‘s best-known almost-films. The original, which debuted in 2013, earned more than $540 million worldwide and became the highest-grossing zombie film of its time, making a sequel an obvious commercial proposition.
A sequel Hollywood has already killed once
Paramount began developing another World War Z almost immediately after the first film, but the project repeatedly changed hands. J.A. Bayona was attached at one stage before David Fincher joined in 2017, raising expectations that Pitt would reunite with the director behind Fight Club and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.
That version never made it into production. Fincher departed in 2019 amid budget concerns, and the project effectively went dormant.
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The Berger appointment therefore makes the film more significant than just another round of sequel rumours. Paramount now has Pitt formally returning alongside a director whose recent work includes All Quiet on the Western Front and Conclave. Berger is also working with Pitt on A24 drama The Riders.
Brad Pitt gets sequel-friendly
The actor is simultaneously circling several returns to familiar territory. A follow-up to his Formula One hit F1 is already in development, while Pitt is also linked to another Ocean’s film.
That makes World War Z part of a broader shift rather than an isolated revival: studios are increasingly returning to recognisable properties with their original stars attached, even after unusually long gaps.
Whether the zombie film actually reaches production this time remains uncertain. Paramount has not disclosed a filming timetable, supporting cast or theatrical release date.
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