Paramount pulls Brad Pitt's World War Z sequel from its lineup as long-in-the-works zombie thriller hits the skids

By Dailymail.com Reporter

Published: 19:50 EST, 6 February 2017 | Updated: 20:06 EST, 6 February 2017

Fans hoping for a sequel to zombie thriller World War Z are going to have to wait a while longer.

On Monday Paramount announced that it was removing the movie produced by and starring Brad Pitt from its scheduled release date of June this year.

And in what observers consider a bad sign, the studio didn't give an alternative date for when the film would hit movie theatres.

In trouble? The planned sequel to Brad Pitt's hit World War Z, pictured, has hit a roadblock as Paramount announced Monday the film has been pulled from its planned June release date

In trouble? The planned sequel to Brad Pitt's hit World War Z, pictured, has hit a roadblock as Paramount announced Monday the film has been pulled from its planned June release date

A sequel was greenlit almost immediately following the release of World War Z in June 2013, which grossed about half a billion dollars worldwide and was one of the biggest box office hits of Pitt's career.

But the project, being produced through the actor's Plan B Productions, stalled at the script stage and while Pitt was committed to return in the leading role of Gerry Lane, there was no word of any other casting decisions.

Back last summer, Pitt had indicated he was trying to get his Fight Club director David Fincher to sign on to helm the sequel.

Delayed: Pitt, pictured at the Golden Globes, had committed to returning in the leading role for the second film, which he is also producing, but the project has stalled at the script stage

Delayed: Pitt, pictured at the Golden Globes, had committed to returning in the leading role for the second film, which he is also producing, but the project has stalled at the script stage

The first script was drafted by Steven Knight, who wrote the screenplay for Pitt's World War Two drama Allied. Then Utopia showrunner Dennis Kelly was brought in to do a rewrite.

However, production is likely to have been overshadowed by the turmoil in Pitt's private life following his shock split from wife Angelina Jolie in September and their ongoing divorce and child custody battle.

The Hollywood star only has one movie in the can -the satirical War machine in which he plays U.S. General Stanley A. McChrystal. The movie does not yet have a release date although it is expected to open sometime this year.

Lots on his plate: It's likely the production has been overshadowed by the turmoil in the star's personal life. Pitt, pictured last week in LA, seems to have put projects on hold as he deals with his divorce from Angelina Jolie

Lots on his plate: It's likely the production has been overshadowed by the turmoil in the star's personal life. Pitt, pictured last week in LA, seems to have put projects on hold as he deals with his divorce from Angelina Jolie

 

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