Edward Berger Dares to Dream Big on ‘World War Z 2’, But One Make-or-Break Detail Stands in the Way

Few sequels have spent as long in development limbo as the follow-up to Brad Pitt’s zombie blockbuster. The original ‘World War Z‘ opened in theaters on June 21, 2013, and closed out its global run with more than half a billion dollars, making it the highest-grossing zombie film of all time.

The road to that success was bumpy. The film endured extensive rewrites and reshoots, and by the time it arrived, no fewer than three screenwriters were credited on a tentpole that reportedly cost $190 million.

Now the filmmaker leading the sequel is offering an update on how ambitious it could become. Speaking with the ‘Screen Off Script’ podcast at the Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival, Edward Berger was asked whether ‘World War Z 2’ could give him the chance to make a large-scale blockbuster in the vein of Christopher Nolan or Denis Villeneuve.

Berger said that it could, but he made clear that everything depends on the screenplay. He said the team is working hard on the script, and that they are determined not to disappoint the fans who have waited more than a decade for a follow-up.

The director framed the goal as more than a simple zombie spectacle. He said the project should push the story forward, create something new and have something meaningful to say about the present day, and he described it as a big commercial film.

That approach fits the track record of an Oscar-winning filmmaker who is best known for ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ and ‘Conclave’. Berger is also an executive producer on the sequel, which gives him a say beyond the director’s chair.

The project took a major step in September, when Deadline reported exclusively that Paramount had closed a deal with Pitt to return and had tapped Berger to direct. Dennis Kelly, the writer known for ‘Utopia’ and ‘Matilda the Musical’, is writing the script.

Pitt, Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner are producing for Plan B Entertainment. The revival came after Paramount co-chairs Josh Greenstein and Dana Goldberg identified the sequel as a priority.

Pitt and Berger recently wrapped ‘The Riders’, a film for A24 and Scott Free that is now in post-production. Sources say the shoot went well, and Pitt began pitching Berger on the sequel early in production.

Berger has spoken warmly about the experience. He was especially struck by Pitt’s commitment to his fellow actors, and he recalled that the star would stay on set even after finishing his own scenes.

This is far from the first attempt to make the follow-up. Paramount shelved the project in February 2019 over budget issues and China’s ban on zombie films, according to reports.

J.A. Bayona was once attached to direct, and David Fincher later stepped in with a plan to focus on the origin of the virus. That version stalled over budget concerns, and Berger’s caution about the script is understandable given that history.

For now, the sequel remains at the script stage. Paramount has not announced a release date, a title, plot details or any additional casting.

Fans should not expect to see the film for several years, and Berger’s comments suggest that the studio is willing to take its time. That patience may be the best sign that the team wants to avoid the pitfalls that plagued the first film.

By linking the sequel to the work of Nolan and Villeneuve, Berger is signaling that he sees it as an event film rather than a routine follow-up. That is a big promise, and it comes with the condition that the script has to deliver.

If it does, the long wait could end with something that lives up to the hopes of zombie fans and fits the new creative team’s ambitions.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!