'World War Z' Director Juan Antonio Bayona Won't Join Sequel
Spanish director Juan Antonio Bayona made the headlines as it was reported that he would no longer be directing the "World War Z" sequel. The news was first reported by Deadline, wherein it was stated that Bayona left the Paramount and Plan B (a company owned by Brad Pitt) produced film.
Bayona's exit was then confirmed by Paramount Pictures via statement which stated, "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."
His exit may be unexpected, but Bayona explained that he needed to let go of his directorial duties for the film due to previous commitments. He then stated that he needed more time to finish his previous film entitled "A Monster Calls" which features Felicity Jones, Liam Neeson and Sigourney Weaver to which he signed up for last 2013.
"World War Z 2," which would start shooting this summer, would still be led by Brad Pitt wherein he would reprise his role as Garry Lane, who is an employee from the United Nations that travels the world as he puts an end to the zombie apocalypse.
Though the production is currently hanging and in search for a new director, the script on the other hand is already good to go after it was rewritten by Steven Knight and Dennis Kelly. Movie Plot then added that the script and the story-line is in good hands which would draw the attention of the audience.
The film is based on a Max Brooks novel, where in the prequel hit the box office with $202 million in the United States and grossed a whopping $540 million worldwide.
The previous director, Marc Foster already hinted that a second sequel would soon be released. Foster then told MTV News that it is important to "keep humanity intact" as it is usually the key to make the story progress. During his interview Foster stated, "If you're going on a second journey, you want to keep that humanity in tact because it's a continuation about how humanity will try to survive and how this will further develop. I think that's the key."
The "World War Z" sequel is scheduled to hit the big screen by June 9, 2017. As of this date, however, there are no updates on who would replace Bayona in directing the upcoming film.
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