Paramount’s new owners at Skydance may be looking to bring back World War Z.
During a recent press event, Skydance execs name-dropped the 2013 Brad Pitt zombie blockbuster while discussing future priorities, alongside Star Trek and Transformers.
History of World War Z
Based on Max Brooks’ 2006 novel, World War Z was released in 2013 and directed by Marc Forster. The film followed Brad Pitt as UN investigator Gerry Lane, tasked with stopping a global zombie pandemic. Despite production troubles and reshoots, the movie proved a success for Paramount, grossing over $540 million worldwide on a reported $190 million budget.
Worth a mention is that Skydance actually was a production company behind the film.
Sequel Plans That Never Happened
Following the box office win, Paramount announced plans for a sequel, with Brad Pitt set to return. Over the years, the project passed through several hands — most notably with David Fincher in talks to direct — but constant delays and budget issues kept it from moving forward. In 2019, Paramount officially shelved the film, citing production costs.
Skydance’s New Direction
Now that Skydance has taken over Paramount, Ellison’s mention of World War Z suggests it’s back on the radar.
THR reports that co-film chief Josh Greenstein listed it alongside Star Trek and Transformers as franchises to prioritize, with the studio aiming to release 15 films a year and eventually ramping up to 20.
Ellison also signaled interest in horror — a genre Paramount has found recent success in with A Quiet Place and Smile — making a World War Z revival a natural fit.
If this comeback happens, it could finally deliver the sequel fans have been waiting more than a decade to see.
