‘World War Z’: The Chaotic Production Behind the Zombie Apocalypse Hit

Brad Pitt’s 2013 zombie film ‘World War Z’ is renowned for its massive budget and impressive box office performance, making it one of the highest-grossing entries in the genre. Despite its potential for sequels, the film has not spawned any follow-ups, largely due to the chaotic production process that rivaled a zombie apocalypse in its complexity.

Based loosely on Max Brooks’ 2006 novel, ‘World War Z’ stars Pitt as UN investigator Gerry Lane, who must navigate a world overrun by fast-moving zombies while searching for a cure. Unlike the book, which is a series of interviews with survivors, the film presents a more traditional narrative.

Image Courtesy: IMDb

Before the novel’s release, studios fought over the adaptation rights, with Pitt’s Plan B Productions winning the bid in 2006. Michael Straczynski, known for ‘Thor’ and ‘Underworld: Awakening’, was hired to write the screenplay. His draft, leaked in 2008, received praise and comparisons to ‘Children of Men’. However, director Marc Forster, recommended by Pitt, preferred a more action-driven approach, leading to tensions with Straczynski. Straczynski either left or was removed from the project, and Matthew Michael Carnahan took over the script.

Filming began in mid-2011 with a budget exceeding $125 million. The production faced numerous issues, starting with a major action sequence in Malta that led to unexpected delays and costs. Further complications arose as the budget ballooned due to overlooked expenses. Disputes between Forster and various team members, including Oscar-winning visual effects supervisor John Nelson, added to the turmoil. 

Image Courtesy: IMDb

In a bizarre twist, a Hungarian SWAT team seized weapons intended for filming, raising legal concerns, though the charges were later dropped. The Budapest footage was ultimately scrapped, and Damon Lindelof was brought in for a costly reshoot of the ending.

Despite these challenges, ‘World War Z’ managed to earn over $540 million worldwide. A sequel was considered, with David Fincher slated to direct and Pitt to return, but financial and scheduling conflicts, along with potential issues with Chinese censorship, prevented it from moving forward. The film’s tumultuous production history highlights the difficulties behind its success and underscores the rarity of such high-profile sequels.

–Farheen Ali