The sequelWorld War Z 2went from intriguing possibility to must-seeveryquickly last summer when word surfaced that starBrad Pittwas courting his friend and frequent collaboratorDavid Fincherto take the helm. The 2013 zombie actioner had its ups and downs throughout production, going through some significant and highly publicized reshoots to re-conceive the third act, but when all was said and done the film was actually quite good, and audiences responded to the tune of $540 million worldwide. DirectorMarc Forsterwas not really in the mix to return for the follow-up, and while Pitt and Co. initially signedThe ImpossiblehelmerJ.A. Bayonato take the helm, he ended up departing over concerns about chasing a release date, choosing instead to develop and directJurassic World 2.
It was unclear what would become ofWorld War Z 2, but the news that Pitt was courting Fincher was A. A sign that Paramount and the film’s producers were still keen on making this sequel and B. Proof that Pitt and Co. weren’t messing around. Just last month we learned that Fincheris still very much in the mix to direct, so when Collider’s Steve Weintraub spoke with producer and Skydance Media CEODavid Ellisonat SXSW for the premiere of the sci-fi thrillerLife, he asked about the status of the film and whether Fincher would direct:
“There’s a script that we’re incredibly happy with, and it’s just getting a couple of key deals closed… We hope [Fincher] makes the movie.”
It’s unclear who penned the most recent draft of the script, but we do know thatSteven Knight(Taboo,Locke) turned in a script last fall. But when you combine the “key deals” phrase with Ellison’s hope that Fincher does indeed direct, it sounds like the filmmaker could be in negotiations to actually sign onto this thing—which is crazy exciting.
Fincher is, simply, one of the best directors who’s ever lived, and while he’s crafted dramatic masterpieces likeThe Social NetworkandZodiac, successful and thought-provoking popcorn fare likeGone GirlandPanic Room, and even a dramatic epic inThe Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Fincher has yet to make an out-and-out blockbuster.World War Z 2gives him that opportunity, plus zombies, so whatever your thoughts on the first movie it’s impossible to deny that this is a tremendouslyexciting prospect.
So to echo Ellison’s thoughts here, I tooreallyhope Fincher makes this movie. One reason for the holdup could be that Paramount is currently without a chairman, asBrad Greyexited the post last month. But as soon as a new studio head is hired and settled in, maybe this deal can finally be made and Fincher can be on his way towards crafting a genuine blockbuster.
