'World War Z 2' release date news: David Fincher eyed to direct movie; Film to launch in 2018?

World War ZParamount Pictures

"World War Z" (2013) was initially going to launch a sequel by June 9, 2017 and it will see the return of Brad Pitt as the film's lead. However, the film went on an indefinite delay due to the director, J.A. Bayona, departing the project to helm "Jurassic World 2." A new report from Variety indicates that "World War Z 2" is back on track and it may be handled by renowned director David Fincher.

Brad Pitt and David Fincher have worked multiple times before. The duo worked together for "Seven," "Fight Club" and "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button." Fincher is also known for his highly acclaimed films such as "Gone Girl," which is his most recent project, as well as "The Social Network," "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" and "Zodiac."

It is noted that this will be the first sequel film that Fincher will be helming in a long time. As a matter of fact, the only sequel he had ever directed was his first feature film, "Alien 3," which was poorly received at the time. Much of the issues with "Alien 3" however have to do with the multiple script changes and numerous directors handling the film before Fincher was signed on.

The first film, directed by Marc Forster, may have little to do with its original source material, the novel of the same name by Max Brooks, and it had to undergo massive reshoots due to issues with the initial cut of the film but it proved to be a massive success, earning over $540 Million worldwide.

Given how little the film has to do with the events from the books, there is no telling where the sequel will go in terms of its setting, story and characters. But if Brad Pitt is returning, then it is going to pick up where the first film ended, with humanity discovering that the zombies do not attack sickly humans. 

If Fincher signs on and the film enters production, fans speculate it will be pushed back by at least a year, leading to a 2018 release.