Brad Pitt’s ‘World War Z’ Sequel to Be Written by ‘Locke’ Director Steven Knight

J.A. Bayona (“The Orphanage”) will direct the zombie movie for Paramount and Plan B

World War Z

486156267Fresh off strong reviews for his experimental drama “Locke,” Steven Knight has been set to write the “World War Z” sequel for Paramount and Brad Pitt‘s company Plan B, an individual familiar with the zombie project told TheWrap.

Paramount had no comment.

Juan Antonio Bayona (“The Orphanage”) is directing the “World War Z” sequel, which will find Brad Pitt reprising his role as former United Nations investigator Gerry Lane.

Directed by Marc Forster and based on the popular book by Max Brooks, “World War Z” overcame negative pre-release buzz to gross $540 million worldwide thanks to mostly positive reviews.

“World War Z” was the highest-grossing film of Pitt’s career, and the actor will produce the sequel with his Plan B partners Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner.

The “World War Z” sequel is still several years off, as Bayona plans to direct “A Monster Calls” for Focus first.

Knight, who previously wrote “Eastern Promises,” earned an Oscar nomination for writing “Dirty Pretty Things.” His upcoming films include DreamWorks’ “The Hundred Foot Journey,” Ed Zwick’s Bobby Fischer movie “Pawn Sacrifice” and Legendary’s “Seventh Son,” while John Wells plans to direct his script “Chef.”

Knight is a nice get for Paramount and Pitt, who is already working with the writer on a WWII romantic thriller that is in development at Graham King’s GK Films.

“Locke,” which finds Tom Hardy giving a tour-de-force performance in a car, is one of the best reviewed films of the year, boasting an 88% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Knight is represented by CAA and United Agents.

The news was first reported by Variety.

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