The zombie apocalypse movie, World War Z, released in 2013, was a massive hit, grossing over $540 million worldwide. The film's success sparked excitement among fans, who eagerly awaited a sequel. However, in 2019, it was announced that World War Z 2 had been canceled. In this article, we'll delve into the reasons behind the cancellation and explore everything we know about the would-be sequel.
The Original Plan
After the success of the first film, Paramount Pictures and Skydance Media began developing a sequel. The movie was set to be directed by David Fincher, who had previously worked with Brad Pitt, the star of the first film, on several projects. The script was penned by Steven Knight, and the story was expected to pick up where the first film left off, with Pitt's character, Gerry Lane, continuing to fight against the zombie pandemic.
Casting and Production
In 2017, it was announced that Brad Pitt would reprise his role as Gerry Lane, and the film was set to start production in 2018. However, due to various delays and script rewrites, the production schedule was pushed back several times. The film's budget was estimated to be around $190 million, which is significantly higher than the first film's budget of $190 million.
Reasons Behind the Cancellation
So, what led to the cancellation of World War Z 2? According to reports, the main reason was the high production costs. The film's budget had ballooned to over $200 million, which made it a risky investment for the studios. Additionally, the zombie genre had become oversaturated in recent years, with several other successful TV shows and movies, such as The Walking Dead and 28 Days Later, dominating the market.
What's Next for the Franchise?
Although the sequel has been canceled, the World War Z franchise is still alive and kicking. In 2020, it was announced that a TV series based on the film was in development, with Brad Pitt and David Fincher serving as executive producers. The series is set to explore the early days of the zombie apocalypse and will feature a new cast of characters.
The cancellation of World War Z 2 was a disappointment to fans of the franchise, but it's not the end of the road. With the TV series in development, there's still hope for more zombie-filled action and suspense in the future. While we may never get to see Brad Pitt's Gerry Lane on the big screen again, the World War Z franchise will continue to thrive in other forms of media. Stay tuned for more updates on the TV series and other developments in the world of World War Z.
Note: This article is for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with MSN or any other media outlet.
