The saga ofDavid FincherandWorld War Z 2just got even more interesting. And possibly confusing. The director has been in the mix to direct the sequel since last year, and recently it was reported that he wants to do it. NowDavid Ellison, one of the key producers working on the movie, has revealed that they wantDavid Fincherto direct the movie as well.
Producer and Skydance Media CEODavid Ellisonrecently spoke with Collider following the premiere ofLifeat SXSW. During the interview, the subject ofWorld War Z 2came up and the producer was asked about the status of the movie andDavid Fincher’s potential involvement. His answer was definitely encouraging for those who want to seeFincherdirect the movie, but it is also potentially a bit confusing. Here is what he had to say about it.
“There’s a script that we’re incredibly happy with, and it’s just getting a couple of key deals closed… We hope [Fincher] makes the movie.”
That all sounds really good on paper. They have a script ready to go and as far asDavid Finchergoes, he wants to do it and they want him to do it. So what’s with the holdup? Last month it was reported by THR that Paramount was unsure about pulling the trigger on signing him up to doWorld War Z 2, but now it seems like everyone wants it to happen.David Ellisondoes mention that they have a couple of “key deals” that they need to get closed. Could it be that they are already negotiating withDavid Fincherand getting ready to officially bring him on board? That would certainly makeWorld War Z 2a much more interesting prospect than it might be in the hands of another filmmaker.
It was reported last year thatBrad Pittwas courtingDavid Fincherto direct theWorld War Z sequel. At one pointJurassic World 2directorJ.A. Bayonawas attached but he wound up leaving the project andParamountwas forced to takeWorld War Z 2off of their 2017 release schedule.David Fincherhas a great working relationship withBrad Pittand they have worked together several times but the director has never really done a true-blue blockbuster. He has had very successful movies, there is no question about that, but he has never done his version of a summer blockbuster. Outside of how exciting that prospect may be for movie fans, something likeWorld War Z 2with an A-list actor inBrad Pittand an A-list director inDavid Fincher, could be a very good thing for Paramount.
The firstWorld War Zhad a ton of production problems and went through extensive reshoots. Despite that, the movie made an impressive $540 million worldwide. That said, we are already almost four years removed from the first movie and with all of the zombie-related media out there it may be tough to get audiences on board withWorld War Z 2. Bringing inDavid Fincherwould probably be the best way to have this sequel really make sense. We’ll have to see how it shakes out but it looks like pretty much everyone wants to make this happen so it’s seemingly a matter of getting everyone to sign on the dotted line. The movie was originally slated for release onJune 9, 2017, but Paramount is now reportedly aiming for a 2018 or 2019 release date. We will be sure to keep you updated as more details onWorld War Z 2become available.
