'World War Z 2' Update: Director J. A. Bayona Exits, Replacement Not Yet Confirmed
Those who watched the American apocalyptic action horror film "World War Z" knows how epic it was when it was released back in June 2013. That's why when a sequel was announced, fans were more than excited to catch it once it hits the cinemas. However, it seems like the movie is having some setbacks.
According to Deadline, the director's seat is currently vacant as Juan Antonio Bayona has just exited being the director of "World War Z 2," a sequel film being prepared by Paramount and Plan B. The reason for his departure is due to his pre-existing film commitments.
Since the studio is determined to start production by summer in order to finish by the June 2017 release date, Bayona had to drop the sequel because he felt that he needed more time especially since he is currently busy with the film he just shot which is "A Monster Calls" starring Liam Neeson and Sigourney Weaver.
Paramount confirmed the news with a statement saying, "Bayona is no longer able to make World War Z 2 this year, and it is our ambition to do so. He is a wonderful director and we hope to work with him soon."
According to Joblo, Paramount fought for Bayona back in November. Universal wanted the director of "The Orphanage" and "The Impossible" for the "Jurassic World" sequel. But Paramount was able to seal a holding deal with him for "World War Z 2."
The sequel for the movie is going to be headed again by Brad Pitt wherein he will reprise his role as Gerry Lane, a former U.N. investigator and the man responsible for finding the cure against the lethal virus which turns humans into zombies.
The first movie was a hit and was able to garner a total of $540 million, according to BBC News. Inspired by Max Brook's 2006 novel "World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War," it was directed by Marc Foster. As for now, the search for a new director for "World War Z" part two begins.
