Brad Pitt is set to reprise his role in the world of the undead, as he embarks on a sequel to the 2013 hit film, World War Z. The actor is collaborating once again with director Edward Berger, renowned for his work on acclaimed projects such as Conclave and All Quiet on the Western Front. This partnership follows their recent collaboration on the A24 film The Riders, which was completed earlier this year.
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The forthcoming sequel from Paramount Pictures will continue the narrative established in its predecessor, drawing inspiration from Max Brooks’ seminal 2006 novel, World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War. Although details regarding the plot remain elusive, anticipation is high for this continuation of the popular franchise.
Screenwriter Dennis Kelly, known for his work on Matilda: The Musical and Together, is tasked with penning the film’s script. Pitt will produce the project through his production company, Plan B Entertainment, alongside his associates Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner.
The original World War Z was a box office triumph, raking in over £540 million globally upon its release, making it the 12th highest-grossing film in the United States that year. In the 2013 release, Pitt played a former United Nations employee who is called back to action to investigate a mysterious and alarming zombie virus outbreak. The film featured a strong ensemble cast, including Ruth Negga, Mireille Enos, and Daniella Kertesz, among others. However, no casting announcements have been made for the sequel as of yet.
The journey towards a sequel has been tumultuous, with initial plans winding back to before the first film was even released. The Los Angeles Times reported in 2012 that both Paramount and director Marc Forster envisioned the film as the first installment of a trilogy. However, various delays and cancellations over the years saw potential sequels repeatedly scrapped until Paramount confirmed at CinemaCon 2026 in Las Vegas that development on the follow-up was indeed in progress.
Pitt’s latest news comes amid promotional activities for his new film, Heart of the Beast, directed by David Ayer. Set to hit theatres on September 25, this survival adventure film features Pitt as a military veteran who finds himself stranded in the Alaskan wilderness after a plane crash, accompanied only by his military service dog, Odin.
Later this autumn, Pitt will also revisit his award-winning role as Cliff Booth in The Further Mis-Adventures of Cliff Booth. Set for release in IMAX theatres on November 25 before debuting on Netflix on December 23, this film further establishes Pitt’s enduring legacy in Hollywood.
In addition to his work with Berger, Pitt is expected to team up with George Clooney once more for an entry in the Ocean’s franchise. Clooney recently indicated that he is in the process of arranging filming for Ocean’s 14, which would bring back a stellar cast, including Julia Roberts, Matt Damon, and Don Cheadle. Production on this long-awaited sequel is anticipated to commence this October, according to reports in Variety from December.
On social media and in entertainment circles, enthusiasm for Pitt’s return to the zombie genre and his collaboration with Berger has sparked significant interest. Fans of the original World War Z film eagerly await any snippets of information regarding the sequel, hoping for a thrilling continuation of the story that captivated audiences nearly a decade ago.
Notably, Pitt and Berger’s previous collaboration on The Riders explores the experiences of a couple, Fred and Jennifer Scully, who purchase a historical farmhouse in Ireland. Filming for this project took place earlier this year on the picturesque Greek island of Hydra, providing scenic backdrops for the deeply personal narrative.
As these new projects unfold, Brad Pitt continues to etch his name in Hollywood, whether through gripping adventures in apocalyptic settings or heartwarming tales of survival. The combination of his star power and Berger’s directorial prowess sets high expectations for both the upcoming film sequels.