Hollywood blockbusters are rarely created without numerous rewrites and multiple screenwriters. Whether a director is brought in to oversee script changes, or an actor suggests alterations to the dialogue on set, the process often involves many hands. Yet, rarely do we see such a public transformation as we did with World War Z, where the script underwent multiple changes in an attempt to salvage the film. The rewrites—especially the ending—became a major topic of conversation, with Hollywood’s finest writers contributing their own touch to the production.
World War Z Ending Explained
Unlike most films, the rewriting process for World War Z unfolded in the public eye. Initially, a script by J. Michael Straczynski, the creator of Babylon 5, was scrapped in favor of one by Matthew Michael Carnahan. Known for his political thrillers like The Kingdom, Carnahan’s version set the stage for the film we know today. The rewrites continued with notable figures like Damon Lindelof and Drew Goddard joining the production. Lindelof, famous for Lost, was tasked with crafting a new ending, a key part of the story’s overhaul.
The final credit list reflects the sheer amount of talent that worked on the script. Straczynski and Carnahan share the “Story By” credit, while Carnahan teams up with Lindelof and Goddard for the “Screenplay By.” Additional help came from Christopher McQuarrie, the screenwriter behind The Usual Suspects, and Jack Reacher. Their contributions resulted in a complex, multi-faceted script that eventually transformed World War Z into a spectacle that might not have been possible without their input.
The Jerusalem Scene: A Moment of Transformation
One of the most significant moments where rewrites impacted the film was in the Jerusalem scene. Initially, Brad Pitt’s character, Gerry Lane, was supposed to board a plane in Jerusalem that would take him to Russia, where a large-scale zombie battle would unfold. This action-packed sequence was reportedly filmed in Budapest but ultimately didn’t make it into the final cut. Instead, the film diverted to a quieter, more suspenseful setting, creating a contrast that would shape the remainder of the story.
The New Ending: A Strategic Shift
Lindelof, upon joining the project, had two possible strategies for saving the production. One involved a lighter touch, focusing on adjustments without drastically altering the storyline. The second, which the studio eventually opted for, involved a dramatic shift in direction after Gerry leaves Israel. This decision fundamentally altered the tone of the film, turning what began as an action-packed thriller into a more intimate survival horror experience in the final act.
The shift from grand-scale action sequences to a more personal, subdued story was a bold choice. While the earlier parts of the film were filled with fast-paced scenes of cities falling to zombies, the conclusion felt more like a traditional zombie horror movie. Pitt’s character and a small supporting cast walk through dark, claustrophobic spaces, finding the threat of zombies in a tense, minimalistic environment. This change made the story feel more grounded and relatable, a departure from the blockbuster chaos that initially dominated the film.
The Final Act: A Slightly Forced Ending
However, while the new ending succeeded in bringing a more personal touch to the film, it still retained some elements that didn’t fully align with the tone of the rest of the movie. Originally, the film’s conclusion was designed to leave audiences on a cliffhanger, setting up potential sequels. The ending’s final plot twist, a medical breakthrough allowing people to avoid zombies by infecting themselves with terminal illnesses, seemed a bit out of place. It felt like a rushed attempt to offer a solution to the zombie apocalypse, without any buildup in either the original script or the source material.
The Unlikely Cure: A Surprising Resolution
In the final act, Gerry and his team discover that zombies avoid attacking those suffering from terminal diseases. This idea—that zombies are repelled by the scent of cancer—forms the basis of the vaccine, which makes people invisible to the undead. The closing montage shows the vaccine being distributed worldwide, with the promise that humanity’s fight against the zombie plague is nearing its end. Though this idea might have worked as a premise for a new story, it felt disconnected from the rest of the film, which had focused more on survival and action.
The Uncertain Future: Sequel Potential
The film ends with Pitt’s character reflecting on the ongoing struggle, claiming, “This isn’t the end. Not even close.” This line clearly hints at the possibility of a sequel, and while World War Z performed decently at the box office, it was far from a guaranteed success. The story’s ambiguous ending left room for further exploration, though the film’s massive production costs made it unclear whether a sequel would materialize. The question remained: Would audiences be interested in returning for another chapter?
With the stage set for a possible continuation, the future of World War Z remained uncertain. Would the zombies evolve, possibly developing resistance to the vaccine, or would the story take a different direction? A potential sequel could explore the rebuilding of society in the wake of the apocalypse, with factions vying for control of the remains of the old world. Alternatively, it could delve deeper into the science behind the vaccine and its long-term effects. Whatever direction it took, a sequel would undoubtedly face the challenge of matching the success of its predecessor while continuing the story.
The Future of the World War Z Franchise
As for whether a sequel is on the horizon, it’s hard to say. Given the volatile reception to World War Z, it’s unclear whether Paramount would move forward with a follow-up, especially considering the film’s massive budget. Still, in today’s franchise-driven Hollywood, it wouldn’t be surprising if the film got a sequel eventually, given its potential to become part of a larger zombie universe. Would audiences be eager to see more, or would the franchise’s potential remain unrealized?
World War Z underwent a tumultuous production process, with multiple rewrites and dramatic shifts in direction. Despite these challenges, the final product managed to resonate with audiences by focusing on personal survival in a zombie-ravaged world. The film’s ending, though forced in parts, hinted at a broader narrative and left room for potential sequels. Whether those sequels materialize remains uncertain, but the film’s journey through rewrites provides a fascinating look into how a Hollywood blockbuster evolves under pressure.
