World War Z sequel holds on to director J.A. Bayona, adds new writer

Last Updated on August 5, 2021

After directing JURASSIC WORLD to record-breaking success, Colin Trevorrow has opted not to return to helm the inevitable sequel, so Universal is searching for a replacement. One filmmaker they set their sights on was J.A. Bayona, director of THE ORPHANAGE and THE IMPOSSIBLE, but there was an insurmountable issue: Paramount already has a holding deal with Bayona to direct a different sequel, the follow-up to Marc Forster's 2013 film WORLD WAR Z.

Apparently the development of WORLD WAR Z 2 had been slowing down a bit, but the other studio's interest in Bayona has inspired Paramount to get the project back up to speed. They have now hired Dennis Kelly, creator of the British television series Utopia, to do a rewrite of the screenplay by LOCKE writer Steven Knight.

Although Knight said the sequel would be starting with a clean slate, Brad Pitt is still expected to reprise the role of UN worker Gerry Lane. Pitt is also producing the film with Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Ian Bryce, and David Ellison.

The sequel to the highest-grossing zombie film ever is set to reach theatres on June 9, 2017.

While there are several other zombie films I would rather be able to say were the highest-grossing ever, I did enjoy WORLD WAR Z more than I expected to, and I'm interested in seeing the sequel.

THE IMPOSSIBLE's Naomi Watts