Brad Pitt is returning for the World War Z sequel, with Conclave director Edward Berger attached to direct for Paramount. Dennis Kelly, the writer behind Utopia and Together, will write the script, according to Deadline’s report, with the update also reported by IGN.
The deals move the project beyond Paramount’s April confirmation that another World War Z film was in development. The studio has not announced a final title, release date, plot details or any additional casting. For now, World War Z 2 remains a useful working label rather than an official name.
World War Z sequel brings Pitt and Berger together
Berger is also attached as an executive producer, while Pitt will produce alongside Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner through Plan B Entertainment. The director recently worked with Pitt on The Riders, an A24 film that is currently in post-production. Deadline reports that Pitt pitched Berger on making another World War Z while they were working on that film.
Berger previously directed All Quiet on the Western Front and Conclave. The latter earned him a Best Picture nomination as a producer, while All Quiet on the Western Front won the Oscar for Best International Feature Film. Kelly’s credits include creating the British series Utopia and writing Together and the book for Matilda the Musical.
What is known about World War Z 2
The original World War Z opened in 2013 with Pitt playing former United Nations investigator Gerry Lane and made more than $540 million worldwide. The first sequel attempt spent years in development, including a period with David Fincher attached to direct, before Paramount shelved it in 2019 amid budget problems.
The new World War Z sequel has no confirmed connection to Fincher’s abandoned version, and there is no indication yet of whether Pitt will return as Gerry Lane or play a new character. The story is being kept under wraps, so suggestions about another global outbreak or a return to the original film’s plot remain speculation.
Paramount’s earlier confirmation of the sequel covered the project’s return to development, but this is the first reported update to lock in its lead actor and director. There is still no release date.
Who is directing the World War Z sequel?
Edward Berger, the director of Conclave and All Quiet on the Western Front, is attached to direct the World War Z sequel.
Who is writing World War Z 2?
Dennis Kelly, who created Utopia and wrote Together, is writing the World War Z sequel.
Does the World War Z sequel have a release date?
No. Paramount has not announced a release date, final title, plot details or further casting.
