David Fincher Relieved at Axed 'World War Z' Sequel



by ZAIN UL ABEDIN

David Fincher Relieved at Axed 'World War Z' Sequel
David Fincher Relieved at Axed 'World War Z' Sequel © Charley Gallay/Getty Images Entertainment

Renowned filmmaker David Fincher recently opened up about his sentiments regarding the shelved sequel to the 2013 blockbuster 'World War Z,' drawing an interesting parallel to HBO’s hit series 'The Last of Us.' In an extensive dialogue with GQ, part of a feature for Deadline, Fincher didn't hold back as he delved into the reasons why he believes the cancellation of the sequel was, in fact, a blessing in disguise.

"I am glad we didn't proceed with our initial plans; looking back, it seems like 'The Last of Us' managed to cover similar grounds, but with a much broader canvas to explore these intricate themes,” he elucidated. Fincher went on to explain, “Our vision for the 'World War Z' sequel had striking resemblances, especially in the opening sequence where we intended to utilize the concept of the parasite, something ‘The Last of Us’ brilliantly executed in their own opening credits”.

World War Z: Cinematic Impact

'World War Z,' directed by Marc Forster, took the cinematic world by storm in 2013, presenting a gripping narrative centered around a zombie apocalypse. The film was bolstered by a strong performance from Hollywood heavyweight Brad Pitt, who portrayed a former United Nations investigator on a quest to unearth a solution to the zombie menace.

He was joined by a stellar cast including Mireille Enos and James Badge Dale, adding depth and vigor to the storyline. Paramount Pictures initially greenlit a sequel, with Juan Antonio Bayona at the helm as the director. However, Bayona’s subsequent departure from the project led to Fincher being approached to take the directorial reins, aiming for a Summer 2017 release.

Despite the promising prospects, a series of undisclosed issues ultimately led the studio to pull the plug on the project. The cancellation, as it turns out, has left Fincher with a sense of relief, as he reflects on the creative direction the sequel was heading towards and the unforeseen alignment with ‘The Last of Us,’ ensuring that the story he wished to tell has found a voice, albeit in a different medium.

The seasoned director’s candid reflections not only offer a glimpse into the complex world of filmmaking but also highlight the serendipity that sometimes accompanies the unexpected turns in the industry.