Brad Pitt to star in 'World War Z' adaptation

Brad Pitt is apparently attached to star in Paramount Pictures' big-screen adaptation of "World War Z," which is based on Max Brooks' bestseller. It's a thriller about a worldwide war trigged by zombies.

We have not heard much about the project for a while now, but J. Michael Straczynski wrote the script, which Matthew Michael Carnahan rewrote. Marc Forster ("Monster's Ball") is attached to direct the flick.

In the book, a U.N. researcher interviews survivors from all over the world about what happened 10 years ago during the bloody international crisis. Pitt's involvement should boost the project's exposure.

In related news, Paramount will also develop a movie based on Brooks' "The Zombie Survival Guide" and "The Zombie Survival Guide: Recorded Attacks." This all sounds pretty intriguing, right? (Source: MTV)

Daily news dose: 'Resident Evil: Afterlife' shooting scheduled; Russell Crowe to return as Jack Aubrey?

Here is your dose of film news for July 17, 2009:

• Production Weekly reports "Resident Evil: Afterlife" is set to start shooting Sept. 28 at Toronto's Cinespace Film Studios for eight weeks. A couple of weeks ago, we learned the fourth installment in the series is currently scheduled to open Sept. 17, 2010. Milla Jovovich will return to star, and Paul W.S. Anderson wrote the script. But who will direct? (via ComingSoon)

• Russell Crowe is apparently in negotiations to reprise his role as Capt. Jack Aubrey in a new "Master and Commander" movie. Crowe first starred as the character in Peter Weir's excellent 2003 flick "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World." The actor told the AP the script is based mostly on the eleventh novel of Patrick O'Brian's series, "The Reverse of the Medal."

• Jeff Wadlow, whose credits include "Cry Wolf" and "Never Back Down," is set to direct Summit's "Arena" from a script by Toby Wagstaff and Darren Howell. The story follows a group of soldiers who must battle powerful warriors from different eras. Sounds a bit awkward to me, but okay, we'll see what happens inside the "Arena" once more information will be released. (THR)

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Marc Forster to lead 'World War Z'

Marc Forster is set to direct the big-screen adaptation of Max Brooks' bestseller "World War Z," a thriller about a worldwide war trigged by zombies.

In the book, a U.N. researcher interviews survivors from all over the world about what happened 10 years ago during the bloody international crisis.

According to Variety, "Changeling" screenwriter J. Michael Straczynski is writing the screenplay.

Forster's credits also include "Monster's Ball" and "Finding Neverland." He most recently directed the 22nd official James Bond adventure "Quantum of Solace," but he said he would probably not helm another 007 flick.

Final word: Forster's been trying out several genres so far, and he's always delievered a solid movie. "War" seem just like the right project for him to tackle next.

By the way, Max is Mel Brooks' son.