'World War Z 2' Release Date & Update: Film Gets New Screenwriter

The follow-up for the apocalyptic action-horror film "World War Z" is making some progress as reports say that plans are now firmly set in place. According to Den of Geek, the "World War Z 2" movie will feature once again award-winning actor Brad Pitt as main character Gerry Lane. The plot of the film will be loosely based once more on the writings of Max Brooks whose novel, titled "World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War," is also the source of the first film.

But while Pitt will be back, 2013 "World War Z" director Mark Foster will not be returning to helm the sequel. He will be replaced by Spanish helmer Juan Antonia Bayona who is known for his work with "The Orphanage" and "The Impossible."

As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Bayona taking over the director's chair was initially "on thin ice" because he was being eyed by Universal to direct the follow-up movie of the hit "Jurassic World." The source said that there wasn't much that Bayona could do because he has a holding deal for "World War Z 2."

But since the offer of Universal to Bayona, Paramount has been motivated to keep the director happy. They tapped a new script with fanboy-friendly writer, Dennis Kelly, who is known for his masterpiece "Utopia," a British show. He will take the place of previously tapped writer Steven Knight, writer of "Eastern Promises" and "Locke." Sources said that Kelly will continue from an earlier draft already written by Knight.

Aside from starring in the film, Pitt will also do some producing duties alongside Jeremy Kleiner, Ian Bryce, Dede Gardner and Skydance Productions who will also co-finance the film. It's expected that production will start early next year with a schedule premiere date of June 9, 2017.