Acclaimed Gone Girl director David Fincher has been linked to a sequel to the 2013 zombie hit World War Z since last summer. It has now been reported that Fincher is close to signing on to helm the big budget action horror movie.
According to Variety, the deal is expected to be finalized soon. The movie will reunite Fincher with star/producer Brad Pitt–the pair previously worked together on Seven, Fight Club, and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Fincher’s other movies include The Social Network, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, and Alien 3.
Pitt first approached Fincher to helm the World War Z sequel back in August 2016. However, in February this year it was removed from Paramount’s schedules, with former studio boss Brad Grey reportedly reluctant to greenlight it.
Variety now states that new Paramount head Jim Gianopulos is likely to greenlight it within the next few weeks. Production would begin in Spring 2018 for a 2019 release.
World War Z was directed by Marc Foster (Quantum of Solace). While it proved to be a financial success, it was marked by considerable production difficulties. The film ran massively over-budget and behind schedule, and the release was delayed by several months while extensive reshoots took place. Nevertheless, it ultimately made $540 million worldwide, making it the most successful zombie movie of all time.