A record-breaking and influential zombie film, which could finally get its long-anticipated sequel soon enough, continues to become a dominant force on streaming over a decade after its premiere. The Brad Pitt-led thriller, World War Z, fights its way up the Hulu charts following its recent debut on the Disney-owned platform.
Per Flix Patrol, World War Z is at the top of Hulu’s U.S. movie chart after debuting on the streaming service at the start of this month. The 2013 film shot to the top ahead of 2000s hits such as The 40 Year Old Virgin and Bedazzled, plus other notable titles such as John Wick: Chapter 4. World War Z has been a streaming darling throughout the summer, becoming a solid hit on the Paramount+ charts and a top 10 movie globally on Netflix.
Starring Pitt and produced by his Plan B Entertainment imprint, World War Z was based on Max Brooks’ titular 2006 novel and directed by Monster’s Ball helmer Marc Forster. Pitt leads a solid cast that includes Doctor Who’s Peter Capaldi, St. Elsewhere star David Morse, The Killing’s Mireille Enos, and Israeli actor Daniella Kertesz.
World War Z centers around retired United Nations investigator Gerald “Gerry” Lane, who drives around downtown Philadelphia with his family when they’re caught in an urban gridlock. However, Gerry’s suspicions that the big traffic log jam is a prelude to something more sinister are realized when Philly erupts into chaos thanks to a zombie outbreak triggered by a deadly virus that spreads through a single bite. As healthy and normal-functioning people rapidly transform into the walking dead and look to wipe out human existence, Gerry returns to the U.N. and leads a worldwide search to nail the source of the outbreak and establish a cure for the infection. Enos plays Karin, Gerry’s wife, while Kertesz portrays an Israeli soldier Gerry meets during his globetrotting mission. Meanwhile, Capaldi features as a Wales-based doctor for the World Health Organization (W.H.O).
World War Z secured strong critical acclaim, earning positive reviews for its story, performances, visual spectacle, and entertainment value. The Saturn Award-winning film boasts a 67% critical rating and 72% Popcornmeter score on Rotten Tomatoes. It also grossed $540 million worldwide against a budget ranging from $190 million to $269 million, making it the most commercially successful zombie movie ever. A sequel entered development after the original debuted, with J.A. Bayona set to direct, Pitt returning, and a 2017 release date set. However, after Bayona left and the film didn’t see progress under his replacement, David Fincher, World War Z 2 was canceled in 2019. Reportedly, Paramount decided against the huge budget required to bring the sequel to fruition, while China, the second-biggest movie market at the time, banned zombie movies from being shown.
World War Z 2 Looks More Possible Than Ever
Image via Paramount Pictures
Amid persistent calls for a World War Z sequel and the original movie’s cult status, it appears Paramount brass are reconsidering a possible continuation. Following the recent merger between Paramount and Skydance, Paramount’s co-film chief, Josh Greenstein, hinted to The Hollywood Reporter that World War Z was a “priority” going forward.
Also helping the cause for a possible World War Z 2 is the growing popularity of the zombie genre in recent years. Fincher hinted at the sequel mirroring the popular HBO series, The Last of Us, possibly further exploring the heart of the zombie apocalypse. The Last of Us is one of several zombie-themed shows and movies that have gained popularity in recent years, with The Walking Dead franchise and 28 Years Later becoming acclaimed as well.
Fans can stream World War Z now via Hulu or for free on Tubi.
Release Date
June 21, 2013
Runtime
116 minutes
