Unleashing 'The Last of Us' Ambiance: The Abandoned 'World War Z' Sequel by David Fincher

The Big Picture

The World War Z sequel, initially helmed by David Fincher, was abandoned due to financial constraints. However, Fincher expressed relief over this outcome as HBO's The Last of Us offers a grander portrayal of comparable themes.

Fincher is pleased with how HBO has portrayed a post-apocalyptic world infected with fungi, believing they have done a better job than he could have. Although he has had success in his filmography, Fincher does not enjoy revisiting his past works and likens it to reflecting on old grade school photos.

David Fincher's planned sequel to the highly successful 2013 zombie thriller World War Z, starring Brad Pitt, was abandoned due to concerns over the budget in 2019. Fincher had taken over as director after J.A. Bayona's departure from Paramount Pictures. However, in a recent interview with GQ Magazine, Fincher expressed his satisfaction with the decision, stating that he is glad they didn't proceed with their original plans because the video game-to-screen adaptation of The Last of Us offers a broader scope to explore similar themes. He mentioned that their intended title sequence would have featured a small parasite, similar to the one used in The Last of Us' stunning opening, reminiscent of a talk show hosted by Dick Cavett or David Frost.

HBO's adaptation of The Last of Us, featuring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, portrays a post-apocalyptic world devastated by a fungal infection that transforms people into aggressive, zombie-like creatures. The camouflage discovered by Pitt's character, Gerry Lane, at the end of World War Z serves as an escape strategy rather than a permanent solution. This concept would have formed the basis of Fincher's shelved sequel.

While fans were eagerly anticipating the long-awaited sequel and the reunion of the acclaimed director with Pitt after the success of Fight Club and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Fincher now acknowledges that HBO has surpassed expectations by executing the idea on a much grander scale just four years later. He expresses his satisfaction with how things have turned out, a sentiment recently echoed by The Wrap as well.

Image via Paramount Pictures

What Other Films Has David Fincher Directed?

In addition to the cult classic Fight Club, Fincher's impressive body of work includes successful films like Se7en (which also features Pitt), Zodiac, The Social Network, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Gone Girl, and Mank, among others. All of these movies have been highly acclaimed and showcase Fincher's distinct style, characterized by his meticulous attention to detail and his dark, atmospheric storytelling.

When questioned about revisiting his older works, specifically Fight Club, Fincher responded candidly, confessing, "It's been 20 years since I last watched it, and I have no desire to do so." When further probed about his sentiments towards his previous films, he likened it to reminiscing over old grade school photos, saying, "It's like looking at your grade school pictures, or something. 'Yeah, I was there.'"

Fincher's highly anticipated film, The Killer, premiered at the 80th Venice International Film Festival on September 3, 2023. It is scheduled for a limited theatrical release in the U.S. on October 27, 2023, and will be available for streaming on Netflix starting November 10, 2023, in the U.S.