Paramount studios had envisioned World War Z ( read review here) early on as a trilogy of films but due to negative publicity surrounding the production of the film, they scrapped plans for any sequels. It’s funny how things in Hollywood can turn on a dime and because of the incredible opening weekend of $66 million dollars for World War Z, the studio and Brad Pitt have decided again to begin work on a sequel to the film.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, news has come in today the successful debut of the zombie apocalypse tentpole marks the actor’s biggest box office opening to date and could put him at the helm of his own studio franchise.
With the successful $111.8 million worldwide debut of zombie extravaganza World War Z — a passion project for the actor — Paramount actively will turn to developing a sequel. The tentpole earned $66 million in North America, the best opening for an original live-action tentpole since Avatar, and $45.8 million from its first 25 foreign markets.
World War Z initially was envisioned as a trilogy, but those plans were shelved when the movie ran into trouble, requiring extensive reworking of the last act. Initially set to open in December 2012, the movie’s release date was pushed back to June, prompting many in Hollywood to anticipate a blood bath.
But in a happy reversal of fortune, World War Z is off to a strong start, both in terms of its commercial and critical appeal. It will need to stay strong to make up for its $190 million budget, however. Paramount appears confident it will, judging by the fact that its reviving plans for further installments. It’s the biggest debut of Pitt’s career.
Skydance Productions co-financed World War Z, which also was made in association with Hemisphere Media Capital and GK Films. Pitt produced via his company Plan B, with Marc Forster directing.
Franchises are incredibly important to Hollywood studios and can likewise reap huge rewards for talent in terms of pay. And a World War Z series could mark a big win for Pitt in terms of his aspirations as a producer.
I don’t know about you guys but I enjoyed the film and would love to see a sequel come down the pipe in a couple of years.
Watch the trailer here,
