The sequel to World War Z will wipe the slate clean for a new story of life and undeath in the zombie apocalypse, according to screenwriter Steven Knight.
“I thought, why not?" Knight says of his newest writing gig during an interview with Indiewire. "What fun. It’s not quite like the other. We’re starting with a clean slate. When they’ve signed off, we’re on!”
The ‘they’ in question are Paramount Pictures and Brad Pitt’s Plan B production company, who will once again collaborate on the sequel.
The first outing - loosely based on Max Brooks’ eponymous novel - chronicled the efforts of Pitt’s UN worker during a global undead pandemic. Despite a troubled shoot and a mixed reception, the film went on to bring in a sizeable $500 million at the global box office.
While Knight kept his cards to his chest with regards to the specific content, it’s expected that the follow-up will approach the worldwide event from an entirely new perspective. A new cast, a new setting... Does this mean Pitt will only lurk behind the scenes instead of dangling precariously from helicopters?
Directed by Juan Antonio Bayona, World War Z 2 will begin production in October this year, with a release date expected sometime in 2016.
