If you’re like me and you absolutely love Max Brooks’ book “World War Z,” then you’ve likely been following the development of the film adaptation very closely. It’s a text ripe for adaptation, as it features a nice vignette-style set of stories that tell one big tale about a ten-year war between humanity and the undead. It is also, from my perspective, one of the most grounded and realistic portrayals of what a zombie outbreak might be like.
So to hear that Brad Pitt is going to star in the World War Z film as well as produce is quite a big deal. It also means that the project will now be well on its way to production.
Rick Marshall over at MTV News picked up the scoop from Max Brooks, who is on the Comic-Con show floor this evening signing books at the Avatar Press booth. Apparently Brooks got the call about Pitt becoming attached to star while he was sitting at the booth. “I can’t believe how cool Paramount has been to me and these projects, and how cool Plan B has been,” said Brooks when asked for his reaction to the news.
Commenting on the long gestation period for the J. Michael Straczynski-scripted film, Brooks said simply that he’s glad “they [Paramount] took their time, and are trying to make the best zombie movie they can. I’m so glad they stayed with the project and so glad they found the right team.”
The film will be produced through Pitt’s company, Plan B Entertainment. Word is that Paramount is now shooting for a Summer 2012 release date, adding to the already packed and glorious summer slate that includes another Star Trek film as well as The Avengers. It has me wondering: who’s looking forward to Comic-Con next year? (Hint: this guy.)
Brooks also revealed that Paramount has optioned the movie rights to two more of his projects: “The Zombie Survival Guide” and “The Zombie Survival Guide: Recorded Attacks” graphic novel.
As a fan of Brooks’ work, I couldn’t be more excited to see this project get off the ground. It’s been a long time coming.
