'World War Z 2': Brad Pitt returns as lead in zombie thriller

The long-awaited sequel to Brad Pitt’s zombie thriller 'World War Z' is finally gaining momentum.A decade after the film hit theatres, reports state that Brad is set to reprise his role in the sequel, which will be directed by Edward Berger. As per Deadline, Pitt has been keen to return to the franchise for years. The actor even pursued longtime friend and collaborator David Fincher to direct the project. However, Fincher eventually exited amid budgetary concerns, putting the sequel on hold.The project received renewed attention after Josh Greenstein and Dana Goldberg were appointed co-chairs of Paramount Pictures. As per the report, the film was then moved off the back burner and identified a 'high priority project'.For director Berger, the project will mark a reunion with Pitt, after their work together on 'The Riders'. The director-actor duo only recently wrapped up work on their film. According to the report, Pitt began discussing 'World War Z 2' with the director after production on the film went well.While it is known that Dennis Kelly is attached to write the screenplay. Plot details are being kept under wraps. The film will be backed by Pitt,

Dede Gardner

and

Jeremy Kleiner

, while Berger will executive produce.Released in 2013, 'World War Z' was based on Max Brooks’ bestselling 2006 novel World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War. The film went on to gross more than USD 540 million worldwide and has been in line for a sequel for more than a decade.